Tasmanian tradie downs tools to chase X-Factor dream

A TASMANIAN tradie is taking the next step in chasing his dreams of a music career.

Jesse Teinaki from the X Factror

A TASMANIAN tradie is taking the next step in chasing his dreams of a music career.

Electrical apprentice Jesse Teinaki, 22, of Somerset, toured the country last year with US rock band Bon Jovi, which only whet his appetite for the entertainment spotlight.

Tonight he is embarking on his next journey when he auditions in front of the judges on The X-Factor.

“Music has always been something I did on the side, but touring with Bon Jovi was a real turning point for me,” Mr Teinaki said.

“I realised this could really happen, this is serious – I want to chase this dream.”

The X-Factor returns tonight with Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ronan Keating, Red-foo and Dannii Minogue in the judges’ chairs.

Bassingthwaighte said she had her eye firmly on the prize.

“I might be a bit feistier with my contestants this year,” she said.

“Just a smidge. It’s about time I mentored a winner.”

The X Factor airs tonight at 6.30, and tomorrow and Tuesday at 7.30pm on Seven.