Hayley McCarron meets Aiden Grimshaw in Dunboyne last week.

Grimshaw impresses with shoes and a smile

They do say never meet your idols or you will be disappointed. With due trepidation this reporter went to meet Aiden Grimshaw from 'The X- Factor' in Dunboyne Castle. I followed him every week religiously as he came onstage and sang his heart out for the nation's votes. What would he be like in real life? Many may have the opinion that he is not all that famous, but for me it was the best thing that's ever happened. When he first entered the foyer of the hotel my eyes lit up with joy as I was faced with the man himself. My heart was beating so fast I thought no words would come out. The first thing I said was “I like your shoes!†Perhaps not the best start to an interview but it was a start at least. We went outside into the fresh air where we could have a one on one. What could I ask him about that I don't already know? I first asked him about his opinions on Ireland. He began by telling me this was his third time visiting and he will be back next month for the X-Factor Tour. He was just off the plane to embark on his three day trip around the emerald isle. “The people are lovely here and the craic is good,†he said. Ha, impressive, he knew the lingo. He started well and I was thinking fast about what I'd ask him next. I decided to quiz him about his time on the X-Factor. I asked him was he surprised at the final when two of the judges predicted at bootcamp stage that he would be the eventual winner. “Ha, not I wasn't too shocked, Louis told me before the show my name was in there!†Trust Louis not to keep a secret. He had been one of the bookies' favourites since the show started, but was sensationally voted off The X Factor after going head-to-head with controversial contestant Katie Waissel in the sing-off. The 18 year-old left the show after it was taken to deadlock for the first time this series after the judges were split 50/50 between who to save. The first thing I noticed about Aiden was his beaming smile. I asked him what he thought about people who referred to him as being moody. To this he replied: “Well, I guess everyone has their own opinions but I know I'm a happy chappy and everyone that knows me does too.†As a fan I was interested in what type of music he would like to release when he eventually gets down to penning his own album. “I like old music,†he says. “Right now I have to perform the songs I did on the X-Factor but after the tour it will be different. There is a certain style of music I like that I can't quite explain. I hope my fans will enjoy it.†Aiden's schedule is packed to the brim at the moment as he is travelling all around the United Kingdom and Ireland. I asked his the question that's on every girls mind. “Do you have time for a girlfriend?†He replied “Yeah, I haven't a problem with that.†Of course that sent me into a fit of giggles. Maybe we are in with a chance! Alas, it was time for me to leave. Aiden is a busy man after all. He told me he is looking forward to the road ahead and his gig in Dunboyne Castle. He is definitely just a normal guy who is delighted to have been given this opportunity. I wasn't disappointed at all meeting Aiden and hope to see him next time he comes to Ireland.