X-Factor is a long-established and popular show. Many of the contestants wow both the public and the judges with their talent. But Josh Daniel from England came to the stage for a very different reason. He did not want to impress everyone with his skills. With all humility and love, the young man expressed his devotion to his late friend.
During 21-year-old Josh’s heartbreaking performance, tough judge Simon Cowell was seen biting his lip and appearing to wipe away a tear.
At the end of the song, he remained silent while his fellow judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw offered their comments.
The BBC Radio 1 DJ said: “That really got me right in the heart.”
Cheryl added: “That was the most captivated I’ve been in all the auditions so far,” before asking if she could give Josh a hug.
As she headed to the stage, the 32-year-old gently placed a hand of support on Cowell. The head judge then asked for the vote and gave Josh a wink before leaving the panel. A concerned Cheryl said “leave him” as he walked off alone.
Josh even took a few sneaky selfies with Simon and Cheryl backstage after the audition.
He said: “I bumped into Simon backstage when he seemed a bit more composed. He shook my hand and said I did a great job and he would see me in boot camp, then we took a quick selfie and he jumped in his car”.
He added: “It was an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
