EXCLUSIVE: Birmingham icon Ozzy Osbourne has been remembered by Chico Silmani, who was mentored by his wife Sharon Osbourne on The X Factor over two decades ago
Chico Silmani says Ozzy Osbourne was instrumental in his success.
The 54-year-old entertainer-turned-wellness guru reached the quarter finals of ITV reality show The X Factor back in 2005.
Mentored by Sharon Osborne throughout the singing competition, he later enjoyed a music career and scored a number one single in the UK charts with It’s Chico Time.
However, Chico says Sharon’s rocker husband Ozzy, who died of a heart attack in July last year, played just as much of a part in his career as the judge,
The former Dancing on Ice star said: “Ozzy was instrumental in my success, probably more, or just as much as Sharon was. He championed me.
“And of course, it was the time where I jumped into the pool and he basically gave his a stamp of approval.
“Anyone who’s anyone who had any doubts were like if ‘it’s good enough for Ozzy, it’s good enough for us’.
“I thank him very much and I love him dearly. He has got to be one of the funniest, loveliest, kindest people I’ve ever met.”
X Factor fans will remember the moment when Chico performed for Sharon at her home and jumped into her swimming pool mid-performance.
He continued: “I didn’t even think I had a live microphone in my hand. I could have electrocuted myself.
“Ozzy literally comes up and goes ‘I thought that was freaking amazing’. That was a pivotal moment for me.”
Chico went on to have a number one hit with It’s Chico Time knocking Queen of Pop Madonna off the top spot.
It’s been 21 years since he appeared on The X Factor but fans could be about to see him the cheeky chappy on television screens again very soon.
Speaking on behalf of new online bingo brand Zingo Bingo, he teased: “Ive got a few TV ideas that I’ve pitched and there is some interest but I can’t tell you too much.
“There is one I’m thinking about which is like a celebrity retreat and that’s looking really, really good so hopefully you’ll be able to see the Celebrity HU Breath Retreats with Chico and learn what people experience on their journey from the fears, the tears and hopefully some cheers.”