DOLLY sat down with X Factor winner Altiyan Childs to find out about his journey, his music, his celebrity crushes and if Kyle Sandilands really is as scary as he looks.
What were you doing before X Factor?
Just before X Factor I was retired from the music scene. I spent 20 years on music and sacrificed everything for it but after nothing coming from it, I just gave up.
When did you first consider auditioning for X Factor?
My dad came to me and suggested I audition. He really wanted to ignite the flame for music I once had, but had recently lost. He asked me to do it for him, so how could I say no? And so with many nerves, I drove myself into the first audition.
Who was your favourite judge?
Ronan Keating, hands down was my favourite judge. He is a true mentor. He has wisdom, subtlety and compassion.
Is Kyle as scary as he looks on TV?
Absolutely. The only thing with him is, once you get passed the initial stance of his scary face, he's actually a very loveable character. He's not exactly into courtesy or manners but he's real and isn't afraid to say it like it is.
Who was your favourite contestant?
Mahogany and Andrew Lawson by far. They were so beautiful to me from day one. A lot of the contestants in the house rejected me and made me feel like an outsider. I felt isolated from the beginning but Mahogany and Andrew really stole my heart from day one.
What was the most rewarding part of the competition?
The most rewarding part of the journey was bringing it home for my dad, really making him proud.
Did you ever think it was possible to score a recording contract with Sony?
No I never thought it was possible. I used to send demos to Sony all my life, and never received a phone call. I always imagined what it would be like to be signed to a major label, and I can't believe how much support they've given me, and how much I've been embraced. They let me be who I am, they only enhance my style. We have this mutual respect. They want me to write, they want to know what my vision is and they want me to make the album which is me. I certainly didn't expect that.
What were you like in high school?
I was very much into my music in high school. I was known as the weirdo kid that liked to go and bang on things in the music room. I was very generous and loved seeing people smile and making them happy. I was the guy who made friends with the new kid at school or with the one who was getting bullied. Our group was like the reject group. We were like a little reject family.
Have you had any crazy fan moments?
I have — God love my fans. It was definitely a wake-up call to see that there are some people out there that will do anything for me. My fans are very special to me.
Do you have any celebrity crushes?
I would definitely accept a date with Scarlett Johansson. I heard Kesha had a little crush on me too while she visited X Factor. She's a very cool woman but she's got some very scary seductive eyes, so I really don't know what's happening inside her mind. She's kind of scary but very intriguing.
What are three things we don't already know about you?
I still have my original teddy bear from when I was in year two. We have a chat every now and again. I am obsessed with Porsches. And my first word was "Porsche". I used to have these toy cars when I was a baby and my favourite was a little green Porsche. When I first opened my mouth to speak, Porsche came out. My dad couldn't exactly figure out how to react.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to make it in the music industry?
Have fun and believe in the unpredictability of it all. Don't worry if you're sure nothing will come of it, it will be just around the corner.
Altiyan's debut album, Altiyan Childs, is out December 10th!
