X Factor viewers were moved to tears over the audition of singer Shanaya Atkinson-Jones, who also drew sobs from judge Nicole Scherzinger.
The contestant performed a moving version of Say Something by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera after explaining she had been adopted as a child and had been through tough times.
Oh, @realshanayaa! The whole of the UK needs a cuddle off @radioleary after that performance. HOLD US, DERMOT! 😥😥😥 #XFactor pic.twitter.com/aJGtNhn1yv
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) September 3, 2017
Her performance drew praise from last year’s winner Matt Terry, who tweeted her named accompanied by a string of praise hands emojis.
Shanaya 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 #xfactor
— Matt Terry (MT) (@MattTerry93) September 3, 2017
Other viewers said they had been left in tears by her singing, with one writing: “@realshanayaa Had me crying on tonight’s #XFactor Such soul & passion in her voice . Damn girl.”
@realshanayaa Had me crying on tonight's #XFactor Such soul & passion in her voice . Damn girl 😭🤧 pic.twitter.com/tFIi8SD8H6
— UrbanAngel 🌹 (@UrbanAngel2020) September 3, 2017
Another wrote: “X factor has got me so emotional! Crying my eyes out! Her voice was just amazing!!”
X factor has got me so emotional! Crying my eyes out! Her voice was just amazing!! #xfactor
— Catherine (@cebell26x) September 3, 2017
Others said they thought she would go far in the competition, with one writing: “Dammmmm girl you have my crying you are seriously unreal looking forward to seeing you in late stages of #Xfactor,” as another said: “@shanaya_jones’ voice is everything. My heart just felt so much emotion, I’m crying. My new favourite to win.”
Dammmmm girl you have my crying you are seriously unreal looking forward to seeing you in late stages of #Xfactor @realshanayaa 😁
— 💫 (@_otraniall) September 3, 2017
@shanaya_jones' voice is everything. My heart just felt so much emotion, I'm crying. My new favourite to win. 💕 #xfactor
— Shaleena 🥀 (@ItsShaleena) September 3, 2017
The X Factor continues on Saturday at 8pm on ITV.