When Ché Chesterman first appeared on The X Factor stage, the judges didn’t seem to have high expectations for him. His casual style and quiet manner suggested he might be an ordinary contestant, leading to neutral expressions from Simon Cowell, Cheryl, Rita Ora, and Nick Grimshaw. At this point, they appeared prepared for a typical audition, not anticipating anything particularly special from the young singer from Essex.
However, the mood in the room completely changed as Ché began to sing “Who You Are” by Jessie J. His powerful and soulful voice quickly caught everyone’s attention. The judges’ faces, which were initially calm, gradually transformed into expressions of surprise and deep interest. They were visibly moved by his performance, showing that his talent was far beyond their first impressions.
By the end of his song, Ché had clearly impressed everyone, earning a standing ovation from the audience and enthusiastic praise from the judges. They admitted their initial doubts, with Cheryl mentioning she “wasn’t quite sure” at the beginning, and Rita Ora emphasizing, “never judge a book by its cover” after being completely surprised. Ché’s audition truly showcased his incredible vocal ability, turning low expectations into overwhelming approval.
