X Factor contestant Stevi Ritchie wants to prove the "doubters" wrong by performing a ballad on this week's show.
The Colchester singer is winning over the nation with his own brand of humour after forgetting his words at his very first audition on the ITV show.
And he also revealed that Witham singer and former contestant Olly Murs has given him his backing.
"Its proper mental I'm here and I'm loving every single moment of life in here so far. And I just want to prove all the doubters wrong this week with a ballad," Stevi said.
But the former cabaret star stopped short of announcing the mystery ballad he wants to sing because "it would spoil it for everyone".
"People will be surprised and I think I sing the song quite good," he added.
He made it to the live shows this year as a wildcard selected by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.
Life has certainly changed for the former call centre worker, who on Monday (October 27) took mentor Simon Cowell for a meal at a Harvester restaurant in London.
And despite Simon's serious image, Stevi said the pop impresario got into the spirit of the occasion.
"It was mental," he said. "It was just like two mates chilling in the pub, we didn't even know that the cameras were there.
"Simon is a great guy and so down-to-earth. We get along well. Next time I said he needs to come out with me in Colchester – I suggested Roberts or my old favourite Liquid and Envy.
"You never know he might be up for it."
"I'm representing the older generation of Essex," he said. "We have Lauren Platt in here and James Graham and they are both real stars."
"We're practically the same person," said the father-of-one, of Olly. "He's a fellow Essex boy and he tweeted me to say that my personality, my sense of humour and my voice has got me this far."
