X Factor star Saara Aalto 'thrilled' to play Shrewsbury
X Factor star Saara Aalto said she was thrilled playing her first gig in Shrewsbury and performing a host of songs from the show that made her famous.
The Finnish singer, who was runner-up in the ITV talent show, performed at the Buttermarket on Saturday night on what was her first visit to the town.
Aalto is currently working on an album of what she describes as "epic love pop" after being signed to Sony Records after the X Factor finished.
The 29-year-old said The Buttermarket provided a wonderful venue for her gig, which was aimed at people young and old.
She said: "This is an all ages concert so it is really nice to see some children there, it is really nice to see who is coming and range of ages. It is really exciting for m. I like the fact it's not a typical audience."
Despite not winning the X Factor the singer could follow in the footsteps of other successful finalists such as Ollie Murs and One Direction, who have gone on to forge hugely successful music careers. Asked if finishing second could have been a mixed blessing she said: "I think somehow when you come second it gives you more power to fight for your career. Also, more time to think what type of album you want to do."
Aalto said that the X Factor had been a great experience, particularly of her previous work, and background as a musician. She said: "It is great, especially if you know what you want. I think, because I am a bit older than others, so I have worked for may years to learn who I am, so for me it was a very good platform because I was able to go there and show what I wanted to do."
Asked if she would recommend the show to other aspiring singers she said: "It depends on the person. You have to work very, very hard after the competition because it does not guarantee anything."
Aalto's Buttermarket show featured a host of the hits she performed on the ITV show, including No More Tears (Enough is Enough), Oh So Quiet, Let it Go, and Bad Romance. The Finnish vocalist also says she is working hard on her album, but remained tight lipped over any possible release date.
She said: "I have always called my music 'epic love pop'. It is pop but very epic, big movie soundtrack."
