Sweet sixteen: Liam Payne hopes it's second time lucky Pic: © Talkback Thames
With the competition hotting, up X Factor judges meet a familiar face in the Birmingham auditions with the arrival of Justin Bieber look-alike Liam Payne.
Liam auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 when he was only 14, making it through to Simon’s house in Bermuda where he sang Gary Barlow’s Million Love Songs Later. However the budding pop star was pipped to the post by Eoghan Quigg and has been waiting for two years for a second chance to impress.
When asked if it was the right decision, Liam said: “I do think Simon made the right decision because I was really young and I wasn’t ready. Now I’m 16 and I’m ready to give it another shot.”
Speaking to Dermot before going on stage lovely Liam said: “It’s great to be back… It was gutting to get thrown out …I don’t want it to happen again. This is my chance to prove to Simon I have got what it takes.”
Two years and one million love songs later, Liam was determined not to let Simon pass him up again. Setting our hearts aflutter Liam sang Cry Me A River (Michael Buble version) impressing the judges with the maturity and power of his voice.
The talented teen earned a standing ovation from the brummie crowd and all the judges, saying afterwards: “To get that reaction was just amazing. To have Simon stand up for me was amazing”.
Cheryl praised his performance telling Liam: “You’ve definitely got it...I thought your voice was very powerful.”
Guest judge Natalie Imbruglia, who is standing in for new-mum Dannii, was impressed too, warning: “That’s really impressive; other people in this competition should be a bit worried about you”.
Simon, putting his smug hat on, was quick to defend his decision of two years back saying: “He wasn’t quite ready. I said come back in two years when you’re a different person and I got it right”.
With Louis, Natalie and Cheryl all giving Liam yes votes it was Simon’s turn saying: “Based on talent, incredible. One massive, fat, almighty Yes”, putting the young singer through and keeping his dream alive.
As Liam returned back stage Dermot congratulated him saying: “the boy becomes a man”. With such a strong performance and confidence Liam looks set to be the new X Factor heartthrob if he makes it through to the final shows.
Meanwhile Liam clearly made a lasting impression on the judges, and Louis was keen to put first dibs on the talented youngster saying: “He’s like Justin Beiber. I want the boys this year.”
What do you think, is cutie Liam this year’s Lloyd Daniels? We want your comments!
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