Nerves under control for X Factor finale

Jackie Thomas is one of the final three in The X Factor New Zealand. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Jackie Thomas has come a long way since being eliminated from The X Factor because her nerves got the better of her.

After being brought back following a strong public reaction and social media campaign, the 22-year-old has made it into the final three.

"When I got brought back, I was really low on confidence because obviously I'd got cut and all the other girls had done so well at Bootcamp so I was just feeling a bit down.

"But as soon as the live shows started, it got better and it got easier. And as soon as New Zealand started voting for me, the confidence all came back and I think that's been my secret to success."

Thomas said she definitely thought she'd be the one leaving on Monday night because she didn't think her performance on Sunday was her best. She was shocked it was the band Moorhouse because they were the favourites from early on.

Luckily, Thomas had Monday off, unlike Whenua who performed in his hometown in Riccarton, so she had some time to sleep, relax and process the fact that she'd made it to the final. Yesterday she performed in Greymouth, which is where she was born.

Thomas said one of the most "crazy" parts of her X Factor journey was her sudden rise to fame - people recognise her in the street and social media "explodes" after she performs. Thomas has been struggling to keep on top of replying to all the messages of support on Facebook and Twitter.

She told the Herald she never expected to get as far as she did, especially because she was voted out at Bootcamp. Thomas' crippling nerves used to get the better of her, but she's now mastered them.

"The first live show was really scary but I think I handled it pretty well and after you get that first one done, you kind of know what's happening. But it's all good - I still get nervous, but they're kind of good nerves now."

She is happy with the songs she's going to sing on Sunday but hasn't been thinking past Monday because she doesn't know what will happen.

"Obviously if I win it's going to be a lot different to if I come second or third. I'm just trying to focus on the first show at the moment."

Regardless of the outcome, she plans to continue with her her singing career.

"When I think about how many supporters I've gained from all this and I get a lot of good feedback - I've got so much confidence in myself now, I definitely want to keep going."

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