Danny Tetley wows X Factor judges – 17 years on from Pop Idol audition

Danny Tetley wowed at the first round of The X Factor 2018 auditions tonight.

The X Factor returned for its brand new series this evening, hosting auditions at The SSE Arena, Wembley, in front of the judges and a 4,000 strong audience.

Those auditioning faced the brand new panel made up of Simon Cowell, Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson.

One of the first to sing for them was Danny Tetley, a 37-year-old who had flown in from Benidorm, but is originally from Bradford in Yorkshire.

“I’m knackered,” he joked before bursting out on stage full of energy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmiG0xZYQBA

“You’ve brought some personality to the stage already,” Robbie Williams reacted.

“Life’s too short!” declared Danny. “Live everyday with a smile on your face.”

He then revealed to the panel: “I did try for Simon many years ago on a TV show called Pop Idol, not a lot happened, that’s why I’m back here.

“Simon was very nice but back then it was a very image led business.

“This for is my World Cup final, I’ve waited 17 years to sing back in front of you to show you I’ve still got it, I’ve still got the same passion as before.”

Danny then belted out Jennifer Hudson’s And I’m Telling You, leaving all the judges on their feet as well as the audience.

Robbie reacted: “I loved you from the minute you got on stage. Gimmie personality, or there’s zero point in turning up. I’m going to tell you yes from me right now.”

Ayda commented: “You were right, I am going to love you. I’m so glad you came.”

Louis added: “Us Yorkshire men are known for wearing our hearts on our sleeve. That whole performance, the passion that was pouring out of you, you should be really proud.”

Simon joked: “I think I remember saying 17 years ago, ‘You should come back in 17 years time and it could work’.”

More seriously, he added: “You said something earlier on, it was an image-led business and I have felt something different over the last couple of years which is the music business needs to be more opened minded.

“It should be about who deserves an opportunity and I could not be more thrilled for you.”

The X Factor 2018 airs Saturday and Sunday nights on ITV.