The X Factor Judges’ Houses are upon us – but one hopeful won’t be joining the rest of the singers for an unfortunate reason.
Simon Cowell takes his girls to Malibu and assembles a group of 50 music legends to help him whittle them down.
However, only six girls actually make it on the plane when circumstances beyond the show’s control intervene.
Poor Maria Laroco is forced to stay at home because of visa issues.
The Filipino, 17, isn’t allowed to fly out to Malibu so is forced to sing on a video stream from London.
Presenter Dermot O’Leary explains: "Maria unfortunately couldn’t make it due to visa issues but she will be singing for Simon tonight."
Rather than face the massive audience of Simon’s closest friends, including producers, songwriters and artists, she has to sing on a video stream.
She makes a desperate plea to the judge before singing California Dreamin’.
Maria says: "Hey Simon, thank you so much for the opportunity that you’ve given me. I don’t want this to be my last performance. I want to be part of the live shows.
"Please please please Simon pick me."
Admitting she would have loved it in LA, Simon says: "I feel really bad for her because she would have thrived in this atmosphere."
While Paula Abdul adds: "It’s a whole different thing."
Maria is not with the rest of the X Factor girls when they discover who they are singing in front of at Judges’ Houses.
Presenter Dermot O’Leary says: "So this year for Judges’ Houses Simon is doing something different – of course he is. Why have one guest judge when you can have 50?"
There are a lot of big names ready to share their expert opinions on the girls’ performances.
Will Maria’s absence effect her position in the competition?
*The X Factor airs tonight on ITV at 8pm
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