Boot camp became barnet camp in The X Factor on Saturday when one contestant suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.
Slavko Kalezic, who sports a super- long plait of dark hair, was giving a characteristically energetic performance for judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, when the secret of his locks was exposed.
Slavko, 31, wearing long- line mesh t shirt and ripped white jeans, performed Rihanna’s Where Have You Been, initially singing with his plait forwards over his left shoulder.
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As the track became more energetic, Slavko whipped his plait around and it flew through the air, landing on stage behind the talent show hopeful.
The cameras zoomed in on the detached tresses as, back stage, host Dermot O’ Leary couldn’t believe his eyes, saying: “Is it off? It’s gone? Slavko!”
Not that it hampered Slavko’s efforts, and, seemingly unaware of his accident, he continued as judges Sharon and Louis collapsed in fits of giggles, holding each other for support.
Slavko pounded down the steps as he performed closer to the judges and crowd, only returning to the stage to collect his plait when the song ended.
The shocked singer was left open- mouthed and exclaimed: “Oh my God!”
However, his refusal to give up impressed the judges, particularly Nicole, who said: “And the show goes on, and you kept going. Bravo!”
Simon wasn’t quite so thrilled by it all though, and his fellow judges had to make a real effort to persuade him of Slavko’s charms.
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Fortunately, Louis and Sharon agreed with Nicole, who said: “He had the whole place on his feet, he’s a performer.”
In the end, it was just about enough to convince Simon, and Slavko made it through to the next round and the Six Chair Challenge where Nicole will be guiding him.
A thrilled Slavko said: “I’m so happy, this is a dream came true, Nicole is my mentor!”
It’s already been quite a journey for Montenegrin Slavko, who travelled to Britain to compete in The X Factor after meeting Louis at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Slavko revealed the encounter at his audition, and Louis confirmed it, saying: “We met in the Ukraine at the Eurovision, I was there with an artist and Slavko was representing Montenegro.”
Hair or no hair, Slavko could be with us for some time to come, and he says he’s aiming high.
“I am born for showbiz,” he says. “I want to spread my talents worldwide.”