Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Caroline Ferguson, born in Anfield, Liverpool, on July 21, 1986, is a British singer and songwriter. She first gained public attention in 2010 as the runner-up in the seventh series of the television talent show "The X Factor." Mentored by Cheryl Cole, Ferguson reached the finals, performing a duet of "Beautiful" with her idol, Christina Aguilera. She finished second to winner Matt Cardle and was subsequently signed to Syco Music, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

Ferguson's musical journey began with a strong audition performance of "A Change Is Gonna Come." During the bootcamp stage, her rendition of "Like a Star" earned praise from judges Simon Cowell, who called it a "recording voice," and Nicole Scherzinger, who described her as "our generation’s songbird." She continued to impress throughout the competition, performing "Fireflies" at the judges' houses, "Teardrops," "Feeling Good," and "Why Don't You Do Right?" in the initial live shows. Her performances of "Make You Feel My Love" and "Candle in the Wind" in later live shows received standing ovations from the judges.