Times Red’s X Factor 2012 Audition — Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” Like You’ve Never Heard Before
The X Factor UK 2012 introduced viewers to a variety of acts, but few made as bold and memorable an impression as the talented boy band Times Red. When they stepped onto the stage and delivered their unique spin on Amy Winehouse’s hit “Rehab,” the audience and judges immediately knew they were not just another group trying their luck — they were artists with a fresh sound, charisma, and undeniable stage presence.
🌟 Who Were Times Red?
Times Red was a three-member vocal group consisting of:
-
Staz Nair – The charismatic frontman with a powerful voice.
-
Scott Ritchie – Known for his smooth vocals and charm.
-
Luke White – The musician of the group, often seen with his guitar.
The trio came together to form a band that blended classic boyband appeal with modern soul and funk vibes. They weren’t just about harmonies — they also played instruments and brought a creative edge that made them stand out from typical X Factor groups.
🎤 The Audition — Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab”
For their audition, Times Red chose Amy Winehouse’s iconic song “Rehab.” This was a daring choice, given that Amy’s version was so distinct and carried with it a legacy of raw emotion and authenticity. However, rather than mimic her style, Times Red made the bold decision to completely reimagine the track.
Their rendition was filled with:
-
Funky rhythms
-
Creative harmonies
-
Acoustic guitar elements
-
A fresh arrangement that gave the song a soulful, upbeat twist
From the very first note, the judges and audience were hooked. Their charisma, chemistry, and fun-loving stage energy turned a serious song into a playful, crowd-pleasing performance.
👏 Judges’ Reactions
The 2012 panel — Gary Barlow, Tulisa, Nicole Scherzinger, and Louis Walsh — were pleasantly surprised by the originality of the performance.
-
Gary Barlow praised the group for bringing something different to the stage, calling the performance “refreshing and exciting.”
-
Tulisa loved their creativity and noted that they had the ability to stand out in a crowded competition.
-
Nicole Scherzinger was impressed by the vocals and the group’s chemistry, highlighting their “X Factor appeal.”
-
Louis Walsh gave them a big yes, saying the group had “the whole package.”
It was a four yeses moment, sending Times Red through to the next round.
🌟 Why Fans Loved Times Red
Times Red’s audition became one of the most talked-about performances of the 2012 auditions because:
-
Unique Twist – They didn’t just sing “Rehab,” they reinvented it.
-
Musicianship – With guitar accompaniment and self-arrangement, they proved they were serious artists.
-
Great Chemistry – The trio’s bond on stage was evident and infectious.
-
Personality – Their charm and playful energy lit up the stage.
📺 What Happened Next?
Times Red advanced to Bootcamp and then to the Judges’ Houses stage, mentored by Louis Walsh. They narrowly missed out on the Live Shows, which disappointed many fans who felt they had the talent and originality to go further.
After their time on The X Factor, Times Red continued as a band, releasing music and performing together. Staz Nair later pursued acting and appeared in major productions, including Game of Thrones and Krypton.
💖 Final Thoughts
Times Red’s audition of “Rehab” on The X Factor UK 2012 was more than just a performance — it was a statement. They showed that with creativity, courage, and talent, even the most well-known songs can be reimagined in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
