 |
| Mary Byrne |
But her debut single You'll Never Walk Alone failed to chart, selling 19 copies in the first week.
Dubliner Mary told X Factor viewers on Saturday night that her return to the stage was delayed until 2005 because of her "low self-esteem".
She's now determined to make the most of her second chance at success and is among the early X Factor favourites after storming through to boot camp with her performance of I (Who Have Nothing).
TG4 producer Tom Evans told the Mirror: "She was very nervous when she appeared on our show. She really lacked confidence in her ability.
"If nothing else, winning the contest gave her belief in herself.
"She's had a tough life and I hope she goes far. I think she will do really well if she goes to the live shows."
After her X Factor audition, single mum Mary told the Mirror: "I did the audition without a nerve in my body but afterwards they kicked in.
"Simon told me I was great and Cheryl said I sent goosebumps down her arm - not bad for a girl behind the till in Tesco.
"I've suffered from bad self-esteem and I used to be more confident when I wasn't this size. Since X Factor I've lost half a stone and my confidence is growing. I'm on top of the world."
Friends told yesterday how Mary has helped raise thousands for charity. Musician Matt Dodd said: "She has a heart of gold."
