EXCLUSIVE: X Factor legend Chico Silmani has paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last year, and said the rock legend was “instrumental” in his rise to fame
Chico Slimani has revealed that Ozzy Osbourne played a crucial role in launching his career.
The 54-year-old entertainer turned wellness guru made it to the quarter finals of ITV’s The X Factor back in 2005.
Whilst Sharon Osbourne mentored him throughout the singing competition, he went on to enjoy a successful music career, achieving a UK number one single with It’s Chico Time.
However, Chico insists that Sharon’s rock legend husband Ozzy, who passed away from a heart attack in July last year, was equally influential in his rise to fame.
The former Dancing on Ice contestant revealed: “Ozzy was instrumental in my success, probably more, or just as much as Sharon was. He championed me.”, reports Birmingham Live.
“And of course, it was the time where I jumped into the pool and he basically gave his a stamp of approval.
“Anyone who’s anyone who had any doubts were like if ‘it’s good enough for Ozzy, it’s good enough for us’.
“I thank him very much and I love him dearly. He has got to be one of the funniest, loveliest, kindest people I’ve ever met.”
X Factor viewers will recall the memorable moment when Chico performed at Sharon’s home and spontaneously leapt into her swimming pool during his audition.
He added: “I didn’t even think I had a live microphone in my hand. I could have electrocuted myself.
“Ozzy literally comes up and goes ‘I thought that was freaking amazing’. That was a pivotal moment for me.”
Chico subsequently topped the charts with It’s Chico Time, dethroning Madonna from the number one position. It’s been over two decades since the cheeky chap graced The X Factor stage, but telly fans might just get another glimpse of him sooner than expected.
Chatting on behalf of fresh online bingo platform Zingo Bingo, he hinted: “Ive got a few TV ideas that I’ve pitched and there is some interest but I can’t tell you too much.
“There is one I’m thinking about which is like a celebrity retreat and that’s looking really, really good so hopefully you’ll be able to see the Celebrity HU Breath Retreats with Chico and learn what people experience on their journey from the fears, the tears and hopefully some cheers.”
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