Biography
Cheeky chappie Frankie Cocozza, 18, is a contestant from the 2011 series of The X Factor and a self-confessed womaniser from Brighton.
Frankie impressed X Factor judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Louis Walsh with his performance of The Zutons’ Valerie at his first London audition, with Louis describing him as a "young Robbie Williams".
Frankie confessed that before The X Factor he got kicked out of college for being a "pain", and that he didn’t have a clue what to do next. His mum paid him £50 to audition for the nation’s favourite talent competition, and he reluctantly accepted the offer.
Kelly Rowland was particularly impressed with Frankie, declaring that his bum is what makes her love the UK. His bum, we hear you say.
Well, the ladies’ man revealed at his audition that he has seven girls’ names tattooed on his behind, explaining that it was all thanks to a dare he was given while working in a bar in Malia, Crete. After being prompted by Tulisa, Frankie gave a quick flash to the audience, prompting Kelly Rowland to shout, “I freaking love the UK!”
The Brighton boy continued to impress at Boot Camp with his rendition of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. Thanks to this performance, Frankie was chosen to fly out to LA as part of the Boys’ category, led by mentor and chief judge Gary Barlow. Frankie belted out Rihanna’s What’s My Name in front of Gary and his guest judge Robbie Williams, succeeding in winning the pair over and rocking his way into Gary’s final four.
After a promising start, Frankie found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons – namely for his constant partying and love of the opposite sex.
On 8 November, it was announced that Frankie had been removed from The X Factor after breaking a golden rule.
Frankie wasn’t always the skinny-jean-wearing rocker that appeared on The X Factor. His mum took him to musical theatre classes when he was eight, and while there he played roles such as the Artful Dodger in Oliver. Frankie later claimed that he left the world of theatre when he was 14, as it wasn’t "cool enough".
Since leaving The X Factor, Frankie hasn't announced any plans to continue a career in music, although his former mentor has told him to keep in touch. Somehow, we don't think this is the last we'll see of the cocky Brighton boy. Watch this space...