'X Factor' auditions hit London

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Cheryl Cole says a 17-year-old 'X Factor' hopeful known as Stephanie is "one to watch".

The teenager sang Mary J Blige's 'I'm Goin' Down' during her London audition yesterday (23.06.09), and her rendition won over both the crowd - contestants must now perform before an audience of 2,000, who cheer or jeer depending on whether they like them - and the judges.

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Fellow judge Dannii Minogue agreed with Cheryl's assessment, and was amazed when Stephanie admitted her family want her to ditch her pop plans in favour of her school work.

Another performer who impressed the judging panel - Cheryl, Dannii, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh - was 33-year-old Jamie Afro.

He chose Kings of Leon's 'Sex On Fire', and soon had onlookers whooping and dancing in the aisles

Fans have already tipped him as a finalist in internet forums for the ITV talent show.

Other contestants included a soldier who auditioned in uniform and a woman who dressed up as fictional Christmas song star Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

Trio Triple Trouble were furious when Simon tore their performance to shreds, throwing down their microphones and shouting: "Oi, get off your high horse and recognise talent."

Before auditions started, Simon took to the stage to explain the new process to the audience.

He said: "So you all wanna be judges, right? Have there ever been times you've disagreed with us?

"When you love someone you have to chant and let us know. Anyone you don't like, I don't care if you sit in silence."

If you would rather check out photos of Cheryl Cole click here >