The X Factor is such a popular British TV show that even people in other countries watch it. After all, it is where the global sensation One Direction came together to form a band, hand chosen by the judges.
However, sometimes there are moments that even blow the X Factor judges away. They were faced with an audition that left them completely in awe for the second time. Even Simon was impressed with the young man who sang what they all considered to be a difficult song.
Meet Joe
Joe McElderry was just 16-years-old when he auditioned for the X Factor in front of Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, and Louis Walsh. He already had a yes from Cheryl, even before he began to sing.
Dannii told him that he was everything a girl could ask for because of is dimples, handsome features, and the way he carried himself with confidence.
When he was asked what song he chose for his 2-minute audition, he said his mom was always a fan of Luther Vandross, so he chose his hit song, ‘Dance with My Father.’
A Performance Worth Remembering
Simon wished him luck, saying the song was difficult, but Joe never batted an eyelash and began on a strong note. He belted out the beginning of the song flawlessly and already had the fans applauding his performance.
His family stood backstage, beaming with pride as their beloved Joe sang to the judges. They all wore shirts bearing his name and face to show their support during the audition.
Joe finished his audition, and the audience was on their feet, cheering and applauding him. It would be hard for the judges to say no with such a strong response from the crowd.
The Votes
Going down the line, Joe got three X’s from Dannii, Louis, and Cheryl. Simon, the hardest judge to please, was last to cast his vote.
Standing on stage, awaiting his decision, Joe didn’t seem to be nervous at all, and he had no reason to be. Simon immediately gave him his fourth X and passed him onto the next round with his hands raised in the air.
This was the second time Joe auditioned, however, singing ‘Dance with My Father,’ and again, passed onto the next stage of the competition.
He auditioned with the same song back in 2007 but decided to walk away from the competition on his own during boot camp, saying he was too young.
This time, he decided to go big or go home. He went big and went home even bigger.
So Much Talent
Joe sang many wonderful songs throughout the season, including ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus, ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey, and ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ by Elton John.
Nobody ever expected 16-year-old Joe, from the small town of South Shields, to win Season 9 of the X Factor, but week after week, he continued to deliver exactly what the fans and the judges wanted.
He took home the prize with his version of ‘The Climb,’ beating Olly Murs in the finals. He was then signed by Simon Cowell to his label, Syco Records.
Joe has since made quite the name for himself and has acted in plays as well. The sky really is the limit for this incredible singer.
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