Ricky John, a soulful singer from Southwest London, delivered one of the most moving auditions in the history of The X Factor. Before singing, Ricky shared a deeply personal background, revealing that he had been homeless for eight years. He arrived at the audition with his supportive family, including his ten-year-old daughter, Heavenly, and his six-month-old baby, Star. Despite having a raspy voice due to a lack of sleep from caring for his newborn, Ricky was determined to seize this opportunity, stating that he truly needed a “change to come” in his life.
For his performance, Ricky chose the Sam Cooke classic “A Change Is Gonna Come,” a song that held profound meaning for him. As he began to sing, his raw, powerful vocals and genuine connection to the lyrics resonated throughout the arena. Despite his vocal fatigue, he delivered a performance filled with such honesty and soul that it moved the audience and the judges alike. At one point, he nearly faltered, but he managed to pick himself up and finish with an intensity that proved he was a natural talent with an incredible story to tell.
The judges’ feedback was filled with admiration for his bravery and star quality. Simon Cowell admitted that the moment Ricky nearly fell apart was actually the moment he truly liked him, as it showed his resilience and strength. Nicole Scherzinger noted that Ricky had potentially changed his life that very day, while Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne were equally impressed by his voice and personality. After receiving four enthusiastic “Yes” votes, Ricky left the stage in tears of joy, having finally taken the first step toward the bright future he and his family deserved.
