The X Factor is such a popular British television show that viewers from other countries tune in. After all, it is where global sensation One Direction formed a band after being hand-picked by the judges.

However, there are times when the X Factor judges are completely taken aback. For the second time, they were faced with an audition that left them speechless. Simon was wowed by the young person who sang what they all thought was a hard song.

Joe McElderry auditioned for The X Factor at the age of 16 in front of Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, and Louis Walsh. Cheryl had already said yes before he started singing.

Dannii told him that he was everything a girl could want because of his dimples, handsome features, and confident demeanor.

When asked what song he chose for his 2-minute audition, he said his mother was a Luther Vandross fan, so he chose his hit song, “Dance with My Father.”

Simon wished him luck and said the song was challenging, but Joe didn’t bat an eyelash and started strong. He belted out the first few lines of the song flawlessly, and the audience applauded.

Backstage, his family was beaming with pride as their beloved Joe sang to the judges. During the audition, they all wore shirts with his name and face to show their love.

Joe finished his audition, and the audience erupted in applause and cheers. With such a strong reaction from the audience, it would be difficult for the judges to say no.

Joe received three Xs from Dannii, Louis, and Cheryl as he moved down the line. Simon, the most difficult judge to please, was the last to vote.

Joe didn’t seem worried as he stood on stage, awaiting his decision, and he had no reason to be. Simon quickly gave him his fourth X and advanced him to the next round while raising his hands in the air.

Joe auditioned for the second time, singing “Dance with My Father,” and was once again advanced to the next round of the competition.

He auditioned with the same song in 2007, but left the competition on his own during boot camp, claiming he was too young.

He decided to go big or go home this time. He went big and came back even bigger.