The first thing that comes to mind when anyone says the word ‘Mika’ is the leapfrogging chorus of his 2007 UK Number One ‘Grace Kelly’. But over the weekend (October 22), Mika’s name didn’t even ring that bell for a lot of X Factor viewers when he was brought in as a guest judge.
Before it was announced he’d be guesting on the show, helping Louis sort through his category – the boys – the build-up to his reveal was huge. Louis said: “This person sold 10 million copies with their first album, he was number 1 in 10 countries. He is a great songwriter. I am really excited and I’m really happy to introduce you to… Mika!”
Celebrate! The Boys will be hoping #JudgesHouses has a Happy Ending because Louis' Guest Judge is the fabulous @mikasounds! ?? #XFactor pic.twitter.com/ecxhhGB3F7
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 22, 2017
At this point confusion broke out on Twitter: some viewers had no idea who Mika was:
mika: is releasing number one singles, has worked on xfactor and the voice, won an award for his own show
UK: whom— leksa (@sapphicrussia) October 23, 2017
"Who's Mika?"
My son speaks for everyone under 16. #XFactor— Use it up, Claire it out!? (@Glavlar) October 21, 2017
My 10yo: “Mum, please can I have your phone, I’ll only be 30 seconds. I just need to google who this Mika guy is”. ? #xfactor
— Lia Bill (@lia_edited) October 22, 2017
Others suspected the boys actually being judged by Mika on the show didn’t either.
The boys when Louie introduced Mika #Xfactor pic.twitter.com/ldeB7r487H
— Brendan (@brendanoshea1_) October 22, 2017
They were like, “who’s Mika”? Cut to shot of boys clapping!?#xfactor
— Toby Anstis (@tobyanstis) October 22, 2017
Some Twitter users mistook him for Radio 1’s Grimmy:
https://twitter.com/TommyMMason/status/922184087393193984
I keep thinking Mika is grimmy, didn't even realise that they looked that similar toll tonight #XFactor #JudgesHouses
— Kathy (@KC_Friendie) October 22, 2017
But there were plenty of Twitter users backing him up too, one mentioning that he released a new single last Friday (called ‘It’s My House’, if you’re interested):
Remember, it’s your fault if Mika hasn’t had a hit since 2007 (in UK, because in other countries he had it 2 days ago, just saying) #XFactor
— Sabrina;; Mika ?? (@sabsounds) October 22, 2017
He may have faded somewhat from the UK’s public consciousness, but fans pointed out he still enjoys continued fame in Europe.
Just so you know Mika has made 4 albums and he's still VERY famous in all Europe #XFactor
— Chiara (@chiarauffa) October 22, 2017
This may be partially thanks to his stints as a judge on Italian and French talent shows:
Four albums, judge of The Voice France and X Factor Italy, he has his own show in Italy and this friday he released a new song
— Lav?TODAY (@laviniasounds) October 22, 2017
Impressively, Mika actually speaks French and Italian on these shows, too – look:
Anyway, some X Factor UK fans think he did such a good job on the show that he should replace Louis Walsh:
Petition for Mika to replace Louis next year please. He definitely knows what he's talking about #xfactor #JudgesHouses
— M A J I D (@Majid_K_1994) October 22, 2017