X Factor star switches on Kingswood Christmas lights
Marisa Billitteri was back in her own neck of the woods to switch on the Christmas lights at Kings Chase shopping centre.
The 20-year-old, who grew up in Kingswood, made it into the final 12 acts in this year's X Factor show with fellow Girlband members Phoebe and Tita Lau and Layla Manoochehri.
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But last night, in between performances all over the South West, being in the studio and media interviews, the bubbly singer took time out to light up the shopping centre for the festive season.
Marisa performed The Perfect Year by Dina Carroll to shoppers who gathered for the event.
She said: "It's great being back in my area it's a great feeling performing to all the people I know were so supportive and voted for us when we were on The X Factor.
"I did the Kingswood talent show a few years back and really enjoyed it and won it too, so a lot of people in the area know me and my face.
"After being on X Factor people stop and talk to me in the street and they say it's nice to see me back in the city so doing an event like this where I grew up is even better."
Girlband's dream of victory was short lived after they were voted out of the show two weeks in to the live stages.
The group split up shortly after the X Factor finalists released their charity single Hero – a cover version of the Mariah Carey song – to raise money for the Help For Heroes campaign to support injured soldiers from current conflicts.
The single, in which Marisa had a sizeable singing part, went in at number one in the charts and stayed at the top for a couple of weeks.
Marisa told the Bristol Evening Post she now plans to pursue a solo singing career.
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by fj, bristol
Saturday, November 29 2008, 5:40PM
“i'm getting fed up with the same people making remarks about someone they don't even know marisa over the years has worked hard for charities and when she gets a break which she deserves your first to moan at least she's not on the streets taking drugs causing trouble like most of the young girls of to-day do.
i expect anyway all you moaners live a sad life whats that saying the lord works in mysterious ways.
goodluck to her in the future who needs people like you anyway loserrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs”
by diane block, Kingswood
Saturday, November 29 2008, 12:08PM
“Excellant night, lot of work went into it, the local traders stayed open and it gave our residents a christmas they deserve - next year road closed, it can only get better for us. Impressed.”
by Steve, Isle of Music
Friday, November 28 2008, 9:28PM
“Does she do requests?
Yes?
I'll ask her to sing
"Over the hills and far away", the pantomime is alive and kicking.”
by Ccc, House
Friday, November 28 2008, 4:43PM
“I vote for Big Jeff next year!”
by GingerRog, Bristol
Friday, November 28 2008, 1:49PM
“Far too raunchy for me, Eastenders, Mark! :-)”
by Sara and Family, Hanham
Friday, November 28 2008, 11:43AM
“Great video BEP,but why none of the best act of the evening,the band?”
by Stan Fermunder, Central Bristol
Friday, November 28 2008, 11:36AM
“"I vote for Alex, the cyclist to switch the lights on next year"!
GingerRog, Bristol
Alex wouldn't have a clue HOW to switch on lights after dark. It isn't in his Puritanical nature. His self-righteous glow usually suffices, apparently!”
by Geoff, St George
Friday, November 28 2008, 11:21AM
“A BIG thankyou to the three very young Cousins from Kingswood,such a refreshing change to see young people having other interests ( in this case music ) instead of hanging around local area's causing a nuisance.”
by Mark, Bristol
Friday, November 28 2008, 11:14AM
“I agree with Ruth,Ginger Rog what were you doing there,did you forget East Ender's was on?”
by Ruth, Bristol
Friday, November 28 2008, 10:50AM
“Well done to whoever organised last nights event. Me & my children thoroughly enjoyed it. The acts that came from the Kingswood Foundation were really good and a special mention to Paul the 8 year old drummer in The Fourtones, he was fantastic!! Marissa was very nice and went out of her way to come over and see my children and have her picture taken with them. It was a nice family event, well done again!”