RAY QUINN may turn from boy to man in Las Vegas if X Factor boss SIMON COWELL gets his way.

Simon wants the Scouse youngster to do everything Rat Pack-style when he records his debut album in Los Angeles — and that means living, as well as singing, like the legends.

The only problem for crooner Ray is his heroes FRANK SINATRA and DEAN MARTIN were such big drinkers, gamblers and womanisers they make the likes of comic RUSSELL BRAND and rocker NOEL GALLAGHER look like wimps.

I’ve mocked up how Ray might have looked out on the town with Frank and fellow Rat-Packer SAMMY DAVIS JR.

Simon and LOUIS WALSH sent WESTLIFE on a similar trip before the release of their swing album Allow Us To Be Frank in 2004.





On their return to the UK, an exhausted SHANE FILAN told me: “We had to live the lifestyle to prepare for the album, which meant we went out drinking a lot and gambling a lot. We did everything except sleep!”

Ray should get plenty of shut-eye before he heads out in a fortnight’s time.

Simon has a packed schedule for the Liverpudlian during his three-month trip to America’s West Coast, including a stint in Vegas. The visit starts at the world-famous Capitol Studios where Frank, Dean, ELLA FITZGERALD, LOUIS ARMSTRONG and NAT KING COLE all laid down hits.

Record label bosses are still deciding on which Rat Pack classics Ray will record there for his debut album, but I can exclusively reveal X Factor favourites Fly Me To The Moon, My Way and Ain’t That A Kick In The Head will all make an appearance.

He will then shoot a video in Las Vegas.

A source at label SonyBMG told me: “Ray is thrilled about going to LA and Las Vegas — he can’t quite believe it is all happening for him.

“Even though he didn’t win X Factor we think he will sell a lot of albums because he was very popular.”

Ray was beaten in the final by LEONA LEWIS, whose first single, A Moment Like This, has held the No1 spot for the second week.

But he won’t get a chance to emulate her success in the singles charts. Simon is insisting that the album be released IL DIVO-style, with no individual tracks hitting the shops.

If Ray makes it out of Vegas alive, you’ll be able to buy the CD in March.

RUNNER-UP Ray Quinn has been signed by Simon Cowell to release a swing album recorded in the same studio Frank Sinatra used.

He will travel to Los Angeles next month to make the disc.

Ray sang three Sinatra classics in Saturday night's final.


The former Brookside actor, 18, revealed how he idolised the Rat Pack legend in his first audition for X Factor.


Show creator Cowell said yesterday: "I told Ray I was going to sign him. I wasn't going to tell him yet but I had to after he behaved in such a dignified manner.


"His reaction was amazing. After what he did for Leona I didn't want him to go home miserable.


"We're sending him to LA to record a swing album in the same place Frank Sinatra used."


Ray has already signed the deal with Sony BMG and the record is due to be released in March.

omg Ray's through to the final well done to Ray and everyone who voted!