The new series of The X Factor is right around the corner and yet again we’ll be introduced to the newest batch of wannabe pop stars.
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Perhaps the best part of any X Factor series is the beloved audition stage where viewers are exposed to British eccentricity at it’s best.
We’ve seen incredible talent in the audition room and, of course, some not-so-incredible talent.
Here are just some of the best X Factor auditions of all time.
Olly Murs
Olly Murs auditioned for The X Factor during the 2009 series and became the classic example of how being the runner-up is actually more beneficial than winning in the long run (One Direction, anyone?).
Olly’s first audition was a massive hit with viewers when he belted out the Stevie Wonder classic Superstition, his talent combined with a Jack-the-lad attitude helped make his audition one of the most memorable ever.
Ant & Seb
Now, it’s worth noting that this list is compiled of the best auditions ever – that doesn’t necessarily mean the most talented acts are to be included.
More often than not the greatest moments in X Factor history have occurred from contestants that lack vocal ability, but make up for it with their own unique X Factor
Ant & Seb are a perfect example of this.
This dynamic duo auditioned in series 5 and made quite the impression on the judges, who couldn’t contain their laughter, with their rendition of Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl.
Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis, in terms of her vocal ability, is arguably the greatest ever X Factor winner and she proved this when she achieved massive success both here in the UK and the US after winning the show in 2006.
Leona was a fairly introverted character during her X Factor journey, but her powerhouse vocals which first appeared in her room audition proved that in the end it’s talent that will take you to the end.
Jedward
Jedward, a hybrid many of us wish to never hear about again, have earned their rightful place in the list of best ever X Factor auditions.
Love them or loathe them, this Irish double act are a force to be reckoned with and they proved this during their time on the X Factor back in 2009 – a series they dominated.
Their first audition was just a taste of what was to come and the mixed reaction from the judges was a continuing theme for the viewers as a whole throughout the rest of the series.
Danyl Johnson
Danyl Johnson was another X Factor 2009 alumni that has made their way onto this list.
This incredible audition wowed not only the audience in the audition room, but the millions of viewers watching at home.
Later in the series, however, Danyl became a victim of his own success.
Viewers and some of the judges (unfairly) accused Danyl of being overly confident in his performances and he sadly never managed to rid himself of this stigma
At least his audition has long been admired.
Dawn The Jockey
Poor old Dawn auditioned for The X Factor during series 4 and her audition became one of the best loved of all time, but for all the wrong reasons.
Before Dawn had even sung her first note both Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne could not contain their laughter – a giggling fit so severe that it resulted in Simon throwing them out of the audition and Sharon throwing herself into a swinging door.
Lucy Spraggan
Yorkshire lass Lucy Spraggan made her X Factor debut during series 9 and her audition was particularly impressive as she made it through to Bootcamp with an entirely original song.
Lucy continued to impress judges and viewers alike with her original music.
Her X Factor journey came to a disappointing end when she had to withdraw from the live shows due to illness.
Misha Bryan
Misha Bryan graced our screens in the 2011 series of The X Factor and instantly certified herself as one of the best vocalists the show had ever seen with her outstanding rendition of Aretha Franklin’s Respect.
Misha sailed through to the live show stage of the competition, but when judge Tulisa suggested, unfairly, that Misha had been ‘quite mean’ to fellow contestants backstage, Misha lost support and she failed to reach the grand finale.
Cher Lloyd
Although clearly talented, Cher Lloyd was very much a Marmite contestant during her stint on the 2010 series of the show.
Cher’s first audition was considered a risk when she announced she’d perform a fairly unknown R&B song.
She nailed it and viewers watched her progress right through to the final finishing in a respectable fourth.
Ablisa
Abby & Lisa, or ‘Ablisa’, auditioned to become the nation’s next pop sensation back in 2010 and they certainly made their mark, just not in the way they’d hoped.
This fiery duo started out their car-crash audition by insulting both the audience and the guest judge, before finishing with a punch to the face.
It’s what reality television competition show dreams are made of.
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