The 9 Most Memorable X Factor Auditions Ever!
Published on September 25, 2013. Updated February 3, 2017As The X Factor USA kicks its new season into full gear, we can’t help but remember all of the most memorable auditions from past seasons. A few minutes on stage for these aspiring singers garnered millions of YouTube hits and launched the careers of some of today’s hottest pop stars.
Take a look at our picks for the 9 most memorable X Factor auditions ever and see who landed the top spot on our list!
9. Rachel Crowe
Rachel was just 13 years old when she auditioned for The X Factor USA in 2011 and she wowed the judges with her performance of “Mercy.” Her bubbly personality kept her in the competition most of the season but the aspiring singer was voted off just a few weeks before the finale. Crowe finished in fifth place overall.
8. Lucy Spraggan
Lucy Spraggan took the audience by storm singing an original song, which she wrote, called “Last Night” on the 2012 season of The X Factor UK. The quirky and catchy song has been dubbed the best original song in the history of the show. Lucy made it through the audition stage of her season but had to drop out of the competition due to an illness. She finished 9th place.
7. Astro
In 2011, X Factor USA viewers were stunned when 14-year-old rapper, Astro (short for The Astronomical Kid) started yelling at Simon during his audition. He performed a song he wrote himself called “Stop Looking at My Mom” and made it through the audition stages. He ended up placing 7th overall.
6. Melanie Amaro
Melanie Amaro, 18, stunned the audience with her performance of “Listen” by Beyonce on the 2011 season of The X Factor USA. She went on to win the competition but not before being eliminated before the Top 16. Two weeks after her initial elimination, Simon Cowell realized he “made a huge mistake” and asked her back on the show.
5. Danyl Johnson
In 2009, Danyl Johnson’s performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” on The X Factor USA was dubbed by Simon Cowell as “the best first audition I have ever heard.” Johnson made it very far that season, ending up in fourth position overall.
4. James Arthur
James Arthur, 24, impressed the judges and wowed the audience during his acoustic performance of Tulisia’s “Young” on The X Factor UK’s 2012 season. He went on to win the competition and released his debut single “Impossible” which debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in its first week of release.
3. Chris Rene
Chris Rene revealed his struggles with alcohol and drugs during his first audition on The X Factor USA 2011. He performed a song he wrote (with music he wrote as well) called “Young Homie.” The reaction from the audience and the judge’s was priceless. Chris went on to place third in the competition.
2. Cher Llyod
Cher Llyod’s audition for the seventh season of The X Factor UK has been deemed one of the most unique and original auditions ever. The 16-year-old performed her own version of Keri Hilson’s “Turn My Swagger On” and she definitely turned her swagger on during her audition. Cher finished the competition in fourth place.
1. Carly Rose Sonenclar
When 13-year old Carly Rose Sonenclar took the stage to perform Feeling Good by Nina Simone the judge’s thought she was insane. As soon as she started singing, the judges and the audience knew it was pure gold. She received a standing ovation from the audience and all 4 judges. The talented singer went on to place second on the 2012 season of The X Factor USA.
