Over the years, it seems like more and more reality competition shows all around the world.
It may be true that the entire craze started with American Idol back in 2002, but plenty of additional shows have sprung up in its wake.
Other popular programs include shows like The Voice, which is another worldwide singing franchise. Still, a precursor to that one is The X Factor, a show which looks for performers who have that mysterious special quality that makes them eligible for superstardom.
Though the show hasn’t continued in the United States, it remains popular all around the world for good reason.
One of the best things about these shows is how they highlight everyday people with extraordinary abilities.
And a good example of one of these stories took place on the The X Factor’s 2011 season. Like any other episode, it began with an offstage introduction to the contestant in question.
Her name was Samantha Brookes, a 31-year-old barmaid from North Wales. As she explains, she likes working as a barmaid because of the social atmosphere and the good tips—but her real dream is to come on the show and perform as a singer. Still, she says that she’s definitely going to be nervous during her audition.
And when she’s nervous, she talks a little bit too much.
After the introductions are over, she walks out on stage to introduce herself to the judges.
Right away, the judges notice her bright and happy personality. Sure enough, Brookes starts talking rapid-fire at all the judges and oversharing.
Before long, everybody realizes that she hasn’t even shared her name yet! With that, she finally gives it over and gets asked what she’s hoping to get out of the show over all, whether it’s fame, fortune or maybe even men. After a beat, she says she’s looking for men—specifically, one of the judges!
At that, everybody just has to laugh.
Before long, the conversation has been going on for a very long time—and she’s even showing off one of her “funny arms!”
Finally, it’s time for them to move the audition forward. With that, she explains that she’s going to be singing “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston, which definitely isn’t the easiest song in the world to sing.
Even though she’s nervous, Brookes steadies herself and begins to sing. And to the crowd’s surprise, her voice is so confident and assured from the very first notes!
As soon as the crowd hears her sing, they start clapping!
As the performance goes on, it only gets harder and harder to sing—but Brookes keeps knocking it out of the park!
The song builds and Brookes pulls her hat off, shaking out her hair. After all of that, she builds up to the final big notes of the song and lands them all perfectly.
By that point, the entire crowd is losing their minds! Before the song is even over, the whole crowd is on their feet giving her a standing ovation.
Although the judges liked her at the beginning, clearly nobody expected such an electrifying performance!
All anybody can say to Brookes is that they can’t believe she’s been hiding for so long.
Before long, she’s telling them that she always wanted to share her voice but she didn’t have the confidence because of her body shape and size. Before she can finish the thought, the judges stop her right there—and judge Kelly Rowland that she’s “size sexy.”
Needless to say, Brookes’ stirring performance earns her four yeses! Although there have been plenty of great performances on these shows over the years, this one really captures what the spirit of it is all about.
Congratulations to Samantha Brookes on her amazing audition! Watch the full thing in the clip below:
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