The 8 most cringeworthy and bizarre X Factor auditions ever – from a striptease to a fake Michael Jackson
EVERYONE loves a tryer - and while sometimes X Factor hopefuls don't have the voice to make it onto the show, you can't help but admire their ability to give it a damn good try.
Check out our list of some of the worst, most cringeworthy, but ultimately most memorable auditions - even if their singing wasn't the best.
Ablisa
The audition that has gone down in infamy, best mates Abby and Lisa performed on the stage together as Ablisa in the hopes of impressing the judges.
As it turns out, they didn’t even need to sing to get the audience to go against them, after Lisa brands Louis an “old man” after revealing that Abby said he was fit, and telling the theatre to shut up when they booed.
After Abby stormed off only to re-emerge, the girls then warbled their way through Shayne Ward’s That’s My Goal – and received resounding no’s from all four judges.
Proving to be total knockouts, Abby decked Lisa in the face on the way out for ruining the audition. Ouch.
Lorna Bliss
Turning up wearing nothing but a bright green thong, bra and white body stocking, Britney Spears impersonator Lorna Bliss certainly knew how to make an impression.
A self-confessed fame-hungry TV wannabe, Nicole Scherzinger and the rest of the judges looked stunned as the confident star made her way onto the stage.
“I’m so glad that I didn’t wear mine today as well, as then we would’ve [clashed],” Nicole joked, before complimenting her “cute little butt cheeks”.
Her audition to ‘Til The World Ends saw her crawling over the judges table and shaking her bum to a stunned Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Nicole, who didn’t know where to look.
Unfortunately she never made it past the first stage after judges criticised her for just wanting the fame and not the record contract and went home after the performance.
J Star
The 19-year-old model came onto the show with a scream – singing a unique interpretation of the classic single, Hallelujah.
As his sister waited outside in the waiting room with Dermot O’Leary, the young hopeful failed to impress the judges with his bizarre take on the song.
As a result, Louis ended up getting the giggles and he didn’t make it any further.
Bratavio
The flamboyant duo almost didn't make it through the audition doors after having a barny the night before.
Ottavio Columbro initially tried to audition on his own before revealing he was in fact supposed to be singing with his best mate Bradley Hunt – but they had fallen out over raw chicken.
As Bradley sat outside, Simon requested that he join his pal and make up, and after they auditioned they were put through.
They became known for their elaborate costume concepts that got more and more bizarre throughout their time on the show.
Somehow, they made it through to the live finals - but were kicked out in the first week after failing to impress with their rendition of Barbie Girl.
Chloe Mafia
Chloe Mafia appeared on the stage as a brightly-tanned and feisty character with an OK voice and a lot of determination.
However, after failing to make the grade with judges Simon, Louis and Nicole, the star started rambling about her difficult life and how she was "going through some things".
They gave her another chance and to Louis' shock, Simon puts her through to the next round.
"She's done this all wrong," Simon admitted. "But there's something there."
After getting kicked out of bootcamp and being revealed as a cocaine-snorting webcam girl, Chloe reinvented herself completely and became a multi-millionaire empiress and Playboy model.
In the UK, she burst back into the limelight in 2016 as Chloe Khan, starring in Celebrity Big Brother.
Simon was right after all - just not in the way he expected.
Beck Martin
In 2016, one contestant approached the judge's panel with a fully fledged song - that despite being awful, was truly catchy and left everyone nearby dancing their socks off.
Coming in with his own smoke machine at the ready, Beck Martin's infectiously positive attitude proved catching even to straight-faced Simon, who couldn't help but join in on the fun by the end of the song.
Nicole loved the song the most and jumped up on the table as she pulled out her best dance moves, while Dermot O'Leary sang along with a group of hopefuls outside.
While he didn't get through, the moment was hilarious nonetheless.
Symon
Coming in dressed in a smart shirt and trousers, 21-year-old Symon seemed shy and reserved - until he started singing his version of Touch My Fire by Javine, complete with dance routine.
The endearing audition was both hilarious and sweet due to the energy he gave his performance.
However, he unfortunately lacked the singing vocals and star power to make it far in the competition.
While Simon Cowell may have got the giggles, you can tell that they were taken with him anyway, and were sad to see him leave.
Frank Peters
It was clear from the get-go that pensioner Frank loved the limelight and was going to make the most of his moment with an impressive dance routine.
"If this was a dancing competition, we would put you through - but this is a singing competition so we'll have to say no," said Simon.
Taking the rejection in his stride, Frank took a bow, high-fived Simon, and then two-stepped his way out of the room.
