'I was drunk when I entered X Factor,' says Happy Mondays' Rowetta

Singer admits she thought it would be 'funny'

14:13 21st November 2012

Happy Mondays singer, Rowetta, has admitted she was 'a bit drunk' when she entered the X Factor in 2004.

The 'Step On' star, who re-joined the Manchester legends this year, came fourth in the first series of the talent show. The 46-year-old told Gigwise how there was little thought put into her decision to apply for the show.

She said: "I didn't know what I was doing, I liked Simon (Cowell) when I saw him on American Idol so I thought it would be funny to enter.

"To be honest, I was a bit drunk when I entered. I didn't even tell anyone I just did it, don't know why I did it."

Rowetta was a member of Simon Cowell's over-25s category in the inaugural 2004 series of the show, and was the first ever female to reach the final.

Despite some backlash after viewers felt it was unfair to have a professional singer in a contest against amateurs, she spoke of her surprise at how successful she was.

"I think they made me out to be this mad woman, so I think I did really well to get so many votes because normally it's all the kind of young pop artists that everyone fancies who do well."

The singer was reunited with the full Happy Mondays line-up for the first time in twenty years earlier this year.

Rowetta performing with Happy Mondays at V Festival

She reached the final of X Factor after auditioning with a performance of 'Lady Marmalade', but she spoke of how the show led her to perform songs that would not have been her first choice.

"I had a right laugh, it wasn't the sort of music that I would normally choose to sing, it was more the type of thing I'd like to sing when I'm in my 50s maybe, but I really enjoyed it."

Rowetta went on to say she still tries to follow the show when she can, and having seen glimpses of the current series, she is a particular fan of Teesside singer, James Arthur.

"I've been away in Bangkok during this year's series so I haven't seen too much," she continued. "I know what kind of show it is and what it has become - it's a TV show not a popularity contest, it's not all about talent. But you do discover some amazing people, James Arthur's brilliant!"

Happy Mondays will be performing two shows at London's Roundhouse on 19 and 20 December. For more information visit Gigwise Gig Tickets.

They will also play a special 'Hacienda 30th Anniversary' gig at Manchester's Warehouse Project on 22 December.

See Rowetta's audition from the first series of X Factor below.