HUDDERSFIELD’S Ashford Campbell has been pumping up Nu Vibe ahead to this weekend’s X Factor public vote.
Campbell, fellow Huddersfield wannabe Jordan Higo and the group gave a mixed performance last week as the judges decided who to drop.
They went for Amelia Lily but Nu Vibe’s rendition of Chris Brown’s track Beautiful People also met with mixed reviews from the four-strong panel of judges.
Kelly Rowland said she was “really impressed”.
However, Take That frontman Gary was less complimentary, commenting: “I feel like I didn’t really hear any of you sing together.”
He also accused them of “hiding behind the song”.
One national newspaper reported that their Nu Dubz mentor Tulisa Contostavlos told them to work harder or they faced being voted off the show.
However, the group say the comments have spurred them on to do a better job this week and they promise viewers that they will show them that they really can sing.
Ashford’s mum Bernadette Baptiste, of Lowerhouses, said the band should be given credit for doing their best with a difficult dance track.
She said: “They got a lot of criticism but they made the most of a song that wasn’t the best for them.
“The song was a dance track so it was very difficult for them to show their vocals.
“A lot of the other contestants had big songs they could belt out and backing dancers.
“The lads didn’t have anything like this but they came out and made the most of the stage.
“They did get some negative comments but I’ve also heard a lot of positive things said about them.
“Most people I have spoken to think they’re fantastic. They are young and good looking, trendy and they can sing.
“You’ve got to expect some criticism with a show like this, but I think it’s a good thing that they’ve had these comments early because now they will really step up their performance.”
This weekend’s show is expected to have a ‘love and heartbreak theme’ with the 12 remaining contestants being asked to show their vulnerable side by performing mellow and romantic tracks.
Bernadette, who with 19-year-old Ashford’s grandma and Sunderland star brother Fraizer Campbell donned Nu Vibe T-shirts for the show, said: “The boys have taken everything with a pinch of salt and are focusing on this week rather than what people are saying.
“Ashford’s been saying ‘come on guys, we can do this’ and they can’t wait for this weekend.
“This week they have been singing a completely different kind of song and they have absolutely stepped it up.
They are performing for the public vote and they are going to show the public what they can do.
“I really think they can go all the way and I hope that people in Huddersfield will pick up the phone and vote for Nu Vibe.”
As the band get used to their new-found fame, it was also announced this weekend that all of the finalists will perform on this year’s X Factor charity single, a cover of Rose Royce’s 1978 hit Wishing on a Star.
The song, expected to be recorded in London this week, will raise money for ATC and Children’s Hospice’s UK.
The charity’s aim is ensure that all life-limited and life-threatened children, young people and their families have the best quality care and support from the moment of diagnosis, wherever they live and for as long as the need it.
X Factor supremo Simon Cowell said he had worked closely with the charity, adding that having seen “the amazing work they do for kids and their families who need help and support I am thrilled that the X Factor charity single this year will benefit this charity.”
