Singer George Shelley tried out for The X Factor as a solo singer and, while he did make it to boot camp on his own, the judges did not think he was strong enough as a solo artist. George was then offered the chance to join MK1 but the rival act did not think he would suit their style, so George Shelley ended up joining Triple J and making them into Union J.
George Shelley in Union J
Shelley explained to We Love Pop, "The media made out I was forced into [Union J], but I wasn't. The X Factor producers wanted to put me in MK1, but Charlie, the female singer in that band, wouldn't let me. She didn't think I'd fit in. So the producers said I could either go in GMD3 or Triple J."
Meanwhile, the rest of the Union J boys were delighted to have him on board, "When they suggested it, it made sense as we'd even spotted George at Boot Camp and asked him to sing for us. The rest of us had only known each other for about a month when Jaymi applied for The X Factor. So when George came along it wasn't a big deal, as we were literally all so new to each other anyway."
George Shelley pre Union J
George Shelley will no doubt be grateful to MK1 for rejecting him, as Union J proved to be one of the biggest stars of The X Factor last year and are expected to be a huge success. They are being compared to previous X Factor act One Direction, who are now global superstars. Union J are currently working on their debut album and are expected to release their debut single in June.
George Shelley's first X Factor audition
