FORMER Ruislip schoolboy needs the public vote to keep his X Factor dream alive.

Adam Burridge, 23, went to Queensmead School, in Victoria Road, Ruislip, and is now pinning his hopes for X Factor stardom on a wildcard public vote.

The singer from Harrow was sent packing by boys' mentor Nicole Sherzinger on the TV talent show on Sunday night, as he was told he hadn't made it as one of the final 12 acts through to the live final stage.

She told him: "Your tone is awesome and you have an awesome recording voice. And you really commit to your performances but I'm not always sure I am able to connect to you."

But in a surprise twist, viewers were told that each mentor could pick one wildcard entry to go into a public vote for the 13th spot, and perform live on the ITV programme next Saturday. Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole chose Adam.

Adam - who used to work in sales for Trinity Mirror, publishers of the Gazette, in Bakers Road, Uxbridge - is up against Christopher Maloney from the Over-28s category, Amy Mottram from the Girls and Times Red from the Groups.
Host of The X Factor, Dermot O'Leary, will announce which of the four acts has won a place in the final at the beginning of Saturday's show at 8pm.

See how to vote for Adam at http://xfactor.itv.com/2012/vote

Another local act, quirky band MITSOTU, made up of Holly Cooper along with James Collins and Jimmy Essex who both attended Ruislip stage school, Soul Performing Arts, in St Martin's Church Hall in Eastcote Road, Ruislip, were knocked out of the running in the TV talent show on Sunday.

James has toured as a dancer with pop superstars Lady Gaga and Janet Jackson, and even features in Lady Gaga's music video for Alejandro. But all three dancers who make up MITSOTU said they were ready to step out from being backing dancers, and take centre stage.

Their mentor Louis Walsh told the band: "You're great dancers, you've got great style, and I loved your first audition.

"It wasn't an easy decision. Guys, it's not good news. I'm sorry. You're going home."

After the band were told the bad news, James said: "This is not the end, trust me."

Unlike Adam, the talented trio were not picked by Louis as his wildcard choice to perform at the live finals on ITV at the weekend.