On this day 15 years ago, a historic X Factor audition aired, permanently changing the face of television and the internet.
It was the second episode of the 2008 series, and a woman clad in combats, a sweater, and spectacles walked in with unflinching confidence: ‘I want everyone to hear me sing.’ The mission was unquestionably fulfilled.
Holly Jervis, a 23-year-old vacation camp singer from ‘the sunny Isle of Wight,’ will be remembered by Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl, Danni Minogue, and the entire nation.
‘It’s my time. My voice is big, it’s powerful and I don’t look like the kind of person who would have that voice. It’s time to show that off. I want to surprise people. I want this. This is what I am made to do and I’m here to prove it,’ she explained in her introductory video.
Once standing in front of the judges, Holly gave us inspiration for our next job interview when Dannii asked: ‘Who do you aspire to be?’
‘I aspire to be me,’ she simply replied.
Later, she was asked if she could win the whole show and she defiantly stated: ‘Course I can. It’s what I do.’
Simon, who was impressed, told her it was a “good answer,” but she was far from finished. Her next performance is a speech that devoted fans know by heart, and it was even referenced by Baga Chipz in the RuPaul’s Drag Race 2019 finale.
‘I’ve trained for years, I’ve gone out there, I’ve learnt the art of performance doing jobs I don’t want to do but it means I get to wake up every damn morning and say “I do what I love for a living”. I’m getting paid to do it. Look at me, here’s my stage. I’m Holly Jervis and you’ve not heard anything like me.’
She then removed her glasses and sang Big, Blonde, and Beautiful from the film Hairspray.
In their assessments, the judges were ‘very very tough,’ to paraphrase another X Factor veteran, Kelly Northall.
Simon mockingly noted that her mouth was like a cave, and Louis suggested she be a better saleswoman. Cheryl suggested that she pursue a career in ‘preaching and speeching’; we haven’t spotted that job title on LinkedIn yet, but we’ll let you know when we do.
Holly should be commended for her cool demeanour in the face of harsh criticism, and she nevertheless thanked the four judges for their time.
In any case, their opinions and the four “no” votes were completely immaterial. Holly’s legacy was safe. Alexandra Burke may have won the competition, but Holly lives on in many people’s hearts. In fact, videos of her audition have received millions of views on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, with many people defending her singing.
One person commemorated the anniversary with a moving post.
They penned: ’15 years ago today, the nation were seated on their sofas for the second round of the X Factor 2008 auditions… who knew that three short minutes could launch a legacy that has lasted a lifetime. Holly Jervis may not have won X Factor, but my goodness did she win our hearts’.
15 years ago today, the nation were seated on their sofas for the second round of the X Factor 2008 auditions… who knew that three short minutes could launch a legacy that has lasted a lifetime.
Holly Jervis may not have won X Factor, but my goodness did she win our hearts❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wyn85YB2yw
— teen of tuna🐟 (@BRATTYBARBl) August 23, 2023
Let's take our specs off and head to the sunny Isle of White to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Holly Jervis' iconic X Factor audition. A decade and a half of Jervination 🍾 pic.twitter.com/6NzhMPSYdm
— Melly 💅🏻 ✨ (@mellyfratelli) August 23, 2023
https://twitter.com/PerfidySnatch/status/1691933426062889150
‘Let’s take our specs off and head to the sunny Isle of White to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Holly Jervis’ iconic X Factor audition. A decade and a half of Jervination,’ wrote another.
To commemorate the anniversary, one individual quipped that ITV had commissioned a series starring Sheridan Smith as Holly.
What is Holly doing these days? Holly’s personal social media profiles are more difficult to locate.
There is a TikTok account under her name that has released four cover songs that further demonstrate her remarkable pair of lungs. Maybe a different song might have helped her get through the auditions.
If you’re reading this, Holly, your audition brought joy to the world, and there’s a lot of love out there for you! Many of us would welcome a Jervis-resurgence.
