Nikitta is 17 years of age and comes from Glasgow.  Nikitta lives alone in the home where her mum used to live and has two brothers and one sister. Nikitta was actually going to take part in the auditions for The X Factor last year, however she was involved in a car accident along the way.  Nikitta lost her mum to cancer last year, but the reason why Nikitta has taken part is to succeed for her mum.  Her aunt, Katie also took part in The X Factor as well but lost out in the Judges' Homes stage.  During the competition, Nikitta performed ‘Drift Away’ by Dobie Gray at the Glasgow auditions.  She got through to Boot Camp to perform ‘Believer’ by Christina Milian on Day 1 and then on the second day she performed ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey.  As she progressed to the Judges' Homes stage, she performed in front of Simon, ‘It’s Too Late’ by Carole King and ‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan.

Q&As
What would it mean to you to win The X Factor?
“Winning The X Factor would be like a dream come true. Before my Mum died she made me promise never to give up on my singing so I feel like I am fulfilling her dying wish. And If I won I would love to be able to buy my Nana a house, she is currently living in rented accommodation and I would love for her to have a home of her own one day.”

How have you coped since losing your Mum at such a young age?
“I’m really proud that I’ve stayed strong since my Mum passed away. A lot of people expected me to go to pieces but I’ve stayed strong. To be honest before it happened I thought I was going to be in bits and not be able to handle anything that life threw at me but if there is one lesson her death has taught me it is to go out there and grab life with both hands and try to make your dreams come true.”

Are you looking forward to moving down to London and living with the rest of the contestants?
“I’m really looking forward to moving to London and experiencing different things because I’ve only ever lived in Glasgow. I’m really looking forward to meeting the rest of the contestants and us all living together, I am hoping we will be like one big family. I am really excited about seeing The X Factor set and I cannot wait for the first live show. But I am going to really miss all my family, friends and my dog, but they are all so thrilled and excited for me, as far as they are concerned I’ve done them all so proud just to get this far in the competition.”

Do you come from a musical family?
“My Aunty sings, as did my Nana and my Mum loved to sing, but not a lot of people play instruments in my family. Personally I’ve been singing all my life. When I was 7 or 8 I was doing karaoke my Aunty told my Mum that I really had a great voice and should pursue a singing career. We didn’t really think anything of it because my dream when I was younger was to be an air hostess. Then when I was about 10 I started to enjoy it and realised when I was singing along with artists on records that I could actually hold some of the keys and thought maybe I can sing if I can sing a bit like them. So I’ve just been doing it and going to singing classes and doing little gigs.”

Where did you go to school and what were your favourite lessons?
“I went to Hillhead High School in Glasgow where I enjoyed technology and drama. I loved drama but I didn’t take it a hundred per cent seriously which I should have! But they were the only two classes I ever enjoyed at school.”

Who are your musical influences?
“My musical influences are really varied. I really admire strong women like Whitney, Mariah, Ashanti and Celine Dion. The person I really admire on stage is Beyonce. I’d love to be able to dance like her and have that much confidence, and not lose my notes when dancing! My favourite album is ‘The Spice Girls’. It was the first one I ever bought!”