‘The X Factor’ UK preview: Anton Stephans’ defense; Ben Haenow’s new single

Let’s start this particular “X Factor” UK article with a simple reminder for all of you Ben Haenow fans out there: The reigning champion’s new single “Secondhand Heart” featuring Kelly Clarkson is now available! We don’t have too much of an idea right now as to how this is going to fare, but getting Kelly on board was a super-smart move. She’s a killer singer, has a huge following in America, and knows a thing or two about winning a singing show.

Still with us? All right, then let’s talk about what may be one of our favorite absurd moments of the entire Six Chair Challenge so far: Anton Stephans’ defense for pulling a lot of faces when he performs. In the video below, he explains to Simon Cowell that without Botox in his face, this is exactly how it works! It’s a tremendous dig at the wealthy, and his personality allows him to say this without sounding combative.

It’s interesting that personality really does make a big difference in how you are perceived. Anton comes across as really warm, so he can make funny comments that endear himself further to the judges. Maybe if Mason Noise was more tongue-in-cheek about his lack of air time for his audition, maybe he could have gotten away with a comment … with an emphasis on “maybe.”

We have no idea how great of a performance Anton is going to give here, but we do find him hilarious. If nothing else, he’d be great in sketch comedy even if he does not make it on the show as a singer.

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