Top 10 X Factor Performances That Broke ALL THE JUDGES

Ignore the clocks, we all know what time it really is! Let’s be honest, “The X Factor” courted controversy over the preconception that it will pluck out folk with little talent and “manufacture artists.” And Chico’s audition, way back in series 2… didn’t help. However, you can’t deny it–he is a star. It was a fight to the top for him–literally, as Chico’s bizarre medley of divergent songs with his own take (and dance moves) caused an argument between an impatient Simon Cowell and steadfast Louis Walsh. The former even walked out, alleging that Chico’s inclusion would make a mockery of the show. Well, who’s laughing now? Actually, it’s still us, but so is Chico–remember, he did reach number one with “It’s Chico Time…”

Lyrics to any song are pretty much available everywhere. They used to be on vinyl sleeves, then booklets in CD cases and now… just Google ‘em. Either way, gone are the days of transposing as you hear a song. Unless you’re Andy, who either misinterpreted or misheard a particular line of Busted’s “Air Hostess.” Using the wrong verb tense can change the entire meaning of lyrics–and Andy certainly messed (‘e’ ‘d’) up this one. The result? A panel of judges breaking into fits of laughter, with Sharon falling off her chair, as the bemused auditionee looks on. Well, at least the poor guy got a reaction, so it wasn’t a complete busted. Sorry, bust.

We know “The X Factor” had a tendency to lay it on thick with the emotional backstory at times. However, there are times where the story really is that poignant. In this case, it’s made even more so, by how much the show was actually involved. Anthony Russell’s 2017 “X-Factor” journey came to an abrupt, and scandalous, end; upon discovery of illicit substances. Anthony may have written off his performing career, but 1D’s Louis Tomlinson–himself a former contestant and future judge, found the singer and sent him on the road to recovery. One year on, and he is overwhelmed to see how far Anthony climbed back to give a spine chilling performance.

Dalton Harris’ place in history is settled as the final winner of “The X Factor.” With him, it’s not hyperbole to say the show ended with a peak performance. He had already stunned audiences and judges with his audition, and had the nation talking with his cover of Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word.” It didn’t take a music mogul to know Dallton would go far with that talent… yet he went even further. Bringing the house down with “A Song For You” in the 2018 final, the judges were left amazed and awestruck–including Simon Cowell, whose act was the sole competition. To say, without hyperbole–even if it’s mispronounced–that it was one of the best performances is praise indeed.

He would go on to win the competition that year, but in 2010, Matt Cardle was a bit of a slow burner. There was no doubt that he was supremely talented, and would never face much in the way of criticism except for one crucial element of his performance–his confidence. It seemed, for the first half of the series, at least, that he was holding back–fighting the songs he was singing instead of letting them fight for him. But when enough was enough, Cardle pulled this performance out of the bag. Emboldened and strong, juxtaposing the vulnerability of the lyrics, his performance generated sheer pride from the audience, and especially the judges–who were stunned to see just how good the singer really was.

Again, “The X Factor’s” can sometimes make a mountain out of a molehill. Everyone has a story to tell, sure, but when the story is real, it’s understated, raw and powerful. Christian Burrows seemed like an unassuming, albeit nervous, auditionee; but he truly had a story to tell. Encouraged to forgo singing his hero Ed Sheeran’s song in favour of his own, Christian debuted “Two Again,” a sombre acoustic ode to his departed brother, and a tribute to the love they shared. Performing the sorrowful, yet uniquely inspiring words, was a brave moment, and it was that decision to bare his soul that elicited a speechless response from the judges… and when they did eventually rediscover the ability to speak, they couldn’t stop praising Christian.

A lot of “X-Factor” stars actually needed a few attempts to get their journey started. We’ll mention one particular contestant who won despite a failed first attempt momentarily, but for now–let’s focus on Fife lassie Jade Richards. Inspired by her singer Grannie, and a determination to break away from the Scottish county, the then-21-year-old Student gave a pitch perfect rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Judge Kelly Rowland was overcome with emotion and could barely give feedback. But it was Louis Walsh who was surprisingly broken by Jade’s performance. With voice cracking, he could just about hold it together to affirm his pride. She–controversially–didn’t make it far on any of her three attempts, but with that performance, perhaps Jade didn’t need to prove anything more.

Today, Alexandra Burke is a multi-Number 1 best selling artist, West End and movie star and a national treasure. “The X Factor” was where it all began, but this was her second go. Her first attempt ended with Louis Walsh believing she was too young in 2005. However, after gracing the stage for her last performance in 2008’s final, all that the judges could feel was sheer pride. Singing “Hallelujah,” that year's “winner's single,” Alexandra gave it her all–to the point where Simon was unable to say much; and mentor Cheryl’s emotions got the better of her. Even rival mentor Louis was so impressed that he was brought to his feet–though had to quickly sit down for feedback as his group–JLS–were her direct competition.

Even posthumously, Whitney Houston remains a musical icon. So, it’s fair to say that you really have to have guts to cover her songs. Or even cover her covers– poor Dolly Parton is oft-forgotten as the pen behind “I Will Always Love You.” At 2014’s bootcamp, now integrated with a contentious “six chair challenge” Italian singer Andrea Faustini took a huge gamble with “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Not to pigeonhole here, but for a man to sing the diva’s ballad was a bold move too. Yet his whole controlled performance was so technically brilliant, that judges Mel B and Cheryl were visibly emotional from the first note. Even Louis was out of his seat with excitement–with his only feedback being a whoop.

The pressure was on Josh Daniel, a Billingham lad, who was the last auditionee that day. As he said himself, it could either go really well, or really badly… but no one expected it to have the reaction that it did. Reinterpreting the lyrics of Labrinth’s “Jealous” as an ode to his departed best friend, Daniel gave a soulful performance that came straight from the heart, and broke ours. For the first and last time in “X-Factor” history, a performer had caused the ever-stoic Simon Cowell to lose his composure, along with his fellow judges. Tears were flowing as Daniel had evoked memories of Cowell's recently-departed Mother. In two minutes, Daniel proved that music is transformative, provocative… and always cathartic.


Were there any performances that had you fighting back tears? And were they for sorrow or for laughter? Sing it out in the comments!