In 2015, during the season twelve 6 Chair Challenge of The X Factor UK, a 21-year-old woman stunned the world with her breathtaking a cappella rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
The singer, Chloe Paige, entered into the celebrity realm during her time on The X Factor UK, with this very performance earning her a spot as one of the top 6 girls of her season. Later on in the competition, she was eliminated by Rita Ora in favor of Louisa Johnson, Monica Michael, and Lauren Murray. This song, however, remains her original claim to fame.
When Chloe Paige walks into the center of the stage revealing that she will be singing “Amazing Grace” in a cappella, Simon immediately tells her she’s brave. The judges then wish her luck, and with that, the performance begins.
As the 21-year-old begins to sing, the crowd hushes. Her voice is raspy, sweet and peculiar— very reminiscent of artists such as Elle King, Regina Spektor and Grace Vanderwaal. She maintains complete control of the vocals, her voice never wavering as she sings the lyrics of the traditional hymn.
“Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound…”
Judging from the looks on the judges’ faces, they are intrigued by Chloe Paige’s performance. Simon, in particular, looks confused by how well she is doing, later revealing, “When you told me you were going to do that song, I thought, ‘Are you bloody nuts?'”
As the woman continues, you see her mother watching from the audience. The girls who have already been selected as part of the top 6 watch from the sidelines; you can see that only two spots remain.
Throughout the song’s verses, Chloe Paige’s voice becomes increasingly powerful, resembling what I would describe as an angelic country singer. It is powerful yet controlled; raspy yet refined.
As the woman ends the song with the final notes, the audience raises from their seats, giving her a well deserved standing ovation.
Nick Grimshaw, a judge, says, “To be honest, I don’t remember Chloe Paige— but after that performance I will never forget you again.” Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, another judge, tells her, “This audition tonight told me you don’t need anything to back you. That was you and your vocal telling this audience you have what it takes.”
Simon, one of the series’ resident hard asses, pays Chloe Paige one of the biggest compliments yet, telling her, “What you just did there, was you did a performance that not only I think, makes you deserve a seat, it deserves you possibly a place in the finals.”
Watch the awe-inspiring performance below.
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