He added, "That’s the power of music that you can write such a beautiful song that’s touched us all on this panel. You’re a legend for what you’ve just done."
It wasn't just Louis who was touched by this emotional audition. Fellow judge, Ayda Williams, who also lost her dad a few years ago, found herself also welling up saying, "When he sang the first note, I was like, 'Oh my God, here we go'.
"It touched me. I feel I needed to hear that song. I needed to feel some things I wasn’t ready to deal with. I was grateful," she added.
Despite not winning the series in 2010, One Direction's songs went on to be massively popular, with hits such as 'What Makes You Beautiful', 'Live While We're Young', 'Best Song Ever', 'Story of My Life' and 'Drag Me Down'.
Now take a look at One Direction through the years:
One Direction auditioning on The X Factor
One Direction formed on The X Factor in 2010. All five members auditioned as individual contestants and were put together as a group by Simon Cowell.
Louis Tomlinson cries on The X Factor after an emotional audition reminds him of his late mum
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Louis Tomlinson is now a judge on The X Factor
Louis Tomlinson has released some solo music, but he has now become a new judge on The X Factor.
One Direction auditioning on The X Factor
One Direction formed on The X Factor in 2010. All five members auditioned as individual contestants and were put together as a group by Simon Cowell.
One Direction wait for the results
The band failed to win The X Factor, coming in at third place, however that didn't stop them becoming world famous.
One Direction return to The X Factor
After a successful year in the music industry, One Direction returned to the show that made them famous, to perform.
One Direction: This Is Us
In 2013 the band released One Direction: This Is Us, a documentary film about the group with many clips and songs. It was very popular with fans and took nearly $70,000 million at the box office.
Zayn announces he's leaving
Zayn broke many fans' hearts by announcing he was going to leave the group in 2015.
One Direction continues as a group of four
The remaining four members continued for a few months before announcing they would be starting an hiatus in January 2016.
Harry Styles stars in Dunkirk
Harry Styles released his self-titled album in 2017, but also starred in his first feature film, Dunkirk.
Niall Horan released solo music
Niall Horan released solo music, and his now on his 'Flicker' world tour.
Zayn has released music
Since leaving the group Zayn Malik has had a number of solo singles including a collaboration with Sia, 'From Dusk Till Dawn'.
Liam teamed up with Rita Ora on 'For You'
Liam Payne released solo music including the huge song 'For You' with Rita Ora.
Louis Tomlinson is now a judge on The X Factor
Louis Tomlinson has released some solo music, but he has now become a new judge on The X Factor.
One Direction auditioning on The X Factor
One Direction formed on The X Factor in 2010. All five members auditioned as individual contestants and were put together as a group by Simon Cowell.
One Direction wait for the results
The band failed to win The X Factor, coming in at third place, however that didn't stop them becoming world famous.
One Direction return to The X Factor
After a successful year in the music industry, One Direction returned to the show that made them famous, to perform.
One Direction: This Is Us
In 2013 the band released One Direction: This Is Us, a documentary film about the group with many clips and songs. It was very popular with fans and took nearly $70,000 million at the box office.
Zayn announces he's leaving
Zayn broke many fans' hearts by announcing he was going to leave the group in 2015.
One Direction continues as a group of four
The remaining four members continued for a few months before announcing they would be starting an hiatus in January 2016.
Harry Styles stars in Dunkirk
Harry Styles released his self-titled album in 2017, but also starred in his first feature film, Dunkirk.
Niall Horan released solo music
Niall Horan released solo music, and his now on his 'Flicker' world tour.
Zayn has released music
Since leaving the group Zayn Malik has had a number of solo singles including a collaboration with Sia, 'From Dusk Till Dawn'.
Liam teamed up with Rita Ora on 'For You'
Liam Payne released solo music including the huge song 'For You' with Rita Ora.
Louis Tomlinson is now a judge on The X Factor
Louis Tomlinson has released some solo music, but he has now become a new judge on The X Factor.
Zayn left the group in 2015 and after, One Direction started their hiatus in 2016, with the individual members going on to launch successful solo careers. Harry Styles released his self-titled, debut solo album and also acted in the film Dunkirk.
WATCH: Top 10 Facts About Harry Styles You Probably Didn't Know:
Former member Zayn Malik is also enjoying a successful solo career with songs such as 'I Don't Wanna Live Forever' with Taylor Swift and 'Dusk Till Dawn' featuring Sia.
Now find out everything you need to know about The X Factor.
