Christopher Maloney looks set for a huge surge in votes on 'The X Factor' final if his appearance in Liverpool is anything to go by - the singer was supported by an army of grans at his homecoming gig.
Mentor Gary Barlow was by his side as he headed north on Tuesday, and Chris, who has constantly referenced his nan Pat O'Brien during his time on the contest, took to the stage at the city's Empire venue.
X Factor frontrunner Christoper Maloney
The audience was mainly made up of OAPs - and The Sun claims the singer, who has been mocked online with a fake debut album called Songs For Me Nan, could be heading for victory.
A source told the publication: "He's a favourite of the older generation, but we were amazed by how many pensioners wanted to support him at his gig.
"It seems a lot of them are also spending their pension voting for him - and he could win the show off the back of them."
Bookmakers William Hill cut his odds to win from 4/1 to 10/3, but he is behind rivals Jahmene Douglas at 6/5 and James Arthur at 5/4.
However, Gary is confident his contestant has the ability to go all the way, telling The Mirror: "It's a big weekend. There were a couple of weeks where I thought we could be in trouble, but not last week. I didn't want to sound too confident, but I was. Both Christopher and Jahmene have never been in the bottom two."
Speaking about the criticism aimed at Chris, Gary adds: "He does take it all to heart, it's been tricky to watch him go through that. But he's proved them all wrong and I'm very proud of him. One of the big things as well is how Liverpool get behind their own - that has been heartwarming to see."
Chris adds: "I think Jahmene is the big threat, but the two of them (Jahmene and James Arthur) are both great. I'm proud of the way I've handled the stick. This is all I ever wanted to do and regardless of what criticism I get I've always come back fighting the next week. I've tried to take on board what everyone has said, even if it is tough. I do take it all to heart."
Meanwhile, judge Nicole Scherzinger accompanied James to his hometown of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and she made an entrance to remember by riding in on the back of a Harley Davidson.
The pop star went to the local pub, where the wannabe played his free homecoming gig and they were greeted by hordes of hysterical fans.
James said: "I just want to thank all the fans for their support. I am so excited to be back, it has been amazing."
Let battle commence!
