The X Factor moved its auditions to the Wembley Arena and the audience got what Cheryl described as “the smartest audition we’ve had so far”.
It came from Lauren Platt, from Essex, who sang How Will I Know, by Whitney Houston and got a standing ovation from the 5000+ audience.
“What a smart move to take a song like that and make it current,” Cheryl told Lauren,” who she had called her “favourite sixteen year old” in the first round.
“And you can sing!” Cheryl added. “I’m really excited about you.”
“I’m so excited right now and I could slap you!” added Mel B. “Seriously! You’ve just got everything.”
“I think we’ve found ourselves a pop star,” said Louis Walsh.
But did Simon Cowell? “I think you’re going to get better and better and better,” he told Lauren.
Paul Akister, 25, from Lancashire, also excited Mel B and Cheryl with his performance of Let’s Get It On, by Marvin Gaye - and they gave Simon a little thrill by dancing for him during Paul’s audition. Click here for more.
Paul was sent home by Louis for lacking the X Factor in 2013.
“For whatever reason, Louis destroyed your life last year,” Simon told Paul. “You have to put that behind you now and hope you get a better mentor this year.”
The night didn’t end well for many others, though… And Cheryl couldn’t save Amy Connolly, 25, who made it to Cheryl’s judges’ house in X Factor 2008.
Amy chose a big song to sing, Greatest Love of All, by Whitney Houston - and it proved too big for her.
“Cheryl made the right decision not to put you through six years ago,” Simon told Amy. “This is when you become exposed, Amy, up on this big stage, with a big song like that.”
“We’ve put through worse,” Cheryl argued - but she didn’t win.
The X Factor continues with more Wembley Arena auditions on ITV, Sunday, September 14, 8.00pm.
Click here for our Wembley Arena picture special.
