WATCH: Simon Cowell holds back the tears during emotional X Factor audition

Josh Daniel performed a cover of Labrinth's 'Jealous'

Published 1st Sep 2015

The X Factor made an emotional return to our screens this weekend when the final contestant, Josh Daniel, stepped out on stage to perform a very moving audition.

Appearing in front of the judges to perform Labrinth's 'Jealous', Josh explained the performance and song were dedicated to his best friend who had died two years ago.

He explained that he chose the song because he was jealous of his friend, who was now in a better place and happy without him.

During the emotional performance, Simon Cowell in particular, struggled to hold back the tears. Cowell himself had suffered tragedy earlier in the year when his mother Julie had sadly passed away aged 89.

Alongside a tearful Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Simon became visibly upset, fighting back the tears by taking regular sips of water.

Cheryl said of the performance, "You really touched me, I believed every word you sang."

Simon gave Josh three yeses, but it became too much for the judge and he left the arena to try and compose himself.

Viewers tuning in to the performance took to Twitter to express their feelings of the performance:

Simon had previously discussed the heartbreak of losing his mother, "There were times it was incredibly difficult, but then there were other times I was able to switch my mind off and concentrate on what was happening and the contestants."

"The biggest regret you'd ever have is to not have the chance to say how much you feel about someone...I know I'll miss her every day, but I also know I'm incredibly grateful to have had her. She was an optimist, my mum, and I think I've got that in me as well. I'm trying not to be the victim here."