November 25, 2015

X Factor 2015 win for Creative Arts student

Creative Arts student Cyrus Villanueva has been crowned The X Factor 2015 winner. 

UOW Creative Arts student Cyrus Villanueva was last night (24 November) crowned The X Factor 2015 winner in a tight tussle from runner-up Louise Adams and third-placed Jess & Matt.

The 19 year old from Dapto played gigs around the Illawarra before captivating audiences week after week on the prime time reality television program.

Cyrus has taken a break from study due to do the demands of being on live TV every week but says he is keen to come back to UOW.

"Regardless of the outcome I want to finish my degree," he said.

While currently majoring in Graphic Design, Cyrus is thinking he will switch to a Music major.

"Music has grown to become my passion, and something I absolutely love, so I think I will go on that path. As far as designing goes, maybe I'll design my future album covers!"

Music is in the veins of the Villenueva family from Wollongong with Cyrus’ father who is a regular on the Illawarra music scene. Cyrus recently returned to Wollongong Central for a hometown performance and it gave him the opportunity to play tour guide to his singing mentor Chris Isaak. Cyrus also took the opportunity to make a special visit to his old school at Kanahooka High.

The Illawarra now boasts its first major reality TV star following Cyrus’ win which includes a Sony Music recording contract. 

The next few days for Cyrus is a far cry from hitting the books at UOW as he is now in a whirlwind of  media and other social commitments.