Simon Cowell has been known to be tough on contests during talent competitions like "American Idol" and "X-Factor." However, Cowell showed his softer side when he was brought to tears after "X-Factor" contestant Josh Daniels' gave an emotional audition.
Daniels auditioned for the British talent competition with the song "Jealous" by Labrinth. He dedicated the song to his best friend, who died two years ago. Daniels said he chose the song because he was jealous that his best friend was in a better place and happy without him, according to USA Today.
The beautiful rendition of the song seemed to strike a nerve with Cowell, who tried to hold back his tears during the performance. The segment was tapped just days after Cowell lost his mother at the age of 89 this past July, reported Hello.
Cowell was not the only judge that was moved to tears by the emotional performance, as Cheryl Fernandez-Versini also cried after Daniels was done. "That was the most captivated I've been in all the auditions so far," she said. Fernandez-Versini then got up from the panel to give the performer a hug, according to The Huffington Post.
After the performance was over, Cowell did not make a comment and took the panel straight to a vote. Daniels was sent straight to the next round with three yeses.
Watch the emotional performance and reaction below.
