Fifteen-year-old James Smith from Upminster introduced himself with an endearing, down-to-earth charm. Celebrating his birthday just two days prior with a quiet night in and a bit of cake with his nan, he presented as a typical British teenager whose greatest luxury was a few free soaps from his market trader father. When asked about his favorite meal, he confessed a love for pie and mash. This humble and highly relatable persona immediately set low expectations for the performance, making the shock of his vocal ability even more impactful.
James chose to sing the classic jazz and soul anthem, “Feeling Good,” a song originally popularized by Nina Simone and later covered by Michael Bublé. This was an audacious choice, requiring immense vocal maturity and control. The moment he began, the boyish charm faded, replaced by a smooth, deep, and incredibly soulful voice. He didn’t just sing the song; he delivered a performance full of charisma, vocal dynamics, and a clear understanding of the song’s emotional depth. The audience was immediately on their feet, recognizing the arrival of a special talent.
The judges were unanimous in their praise for the teenager’s unexpected talent and stage presence. David Walliams called him a “pop star in the making,” while Alesha Dixon highlighted his “incredible charisma” and the ability to “hold an audience in your hand like that.” Simon Cowell admitted he was nervous when he heard the song choice but praised James for giving it a “completely new twist,” ultimately calling it one of his favorite auditions so far. James’s ability to fuse a humble background with a world-class, soulful voice earned him four resounding “yeses,” signaling the start of a very promising career.
