It’s true that ‘X Factor UK’ is known for its entertainment, but sometimes in music, there are strong emotions. In 2015, contestant Josh Daniel moved many to tears with his heartfelt rendition of Labrinth’s ‘Jealous.’
Behind this touching performance lies a heartbreaking story. He lost his best friend, Tom Woolery, who had undergone a lung transplant in 2008, which left him vulnerable to infections. In 2013, Tom had a bike accident that resulted in a chest injury, leading to pneumonia, which ultimately took his life at just 18.
This loss devastated Daniel, who had been friends with Tom since primary school. After Tom’s death, Daniel fell into a deep depression and couldn’t work for two months. When he auditioned for ‘X Factor UK’ four years later, he did so in memory of his friend, carrying Tom’s spirit with him.
During his audition, Daniel introduced himself and shared the heartbreaking story of losing his friend. A video clip then played, featuring Daniel and his mother recounting the events of that tragic night. Daniel becomes emotional, clearly still affected by the loss.
Daniel chose to sing “Jealous” because he feels envious that his friend Woolery has moved on to heaven or a better place. Daniel’s heartfelt performance brought judges, as well as many audience members and TV viewers, to tears.
Despite the song’s title, his interpretation was not about sadness or despair. Instead, it conveyed a message of hope, reminding everyone that their loved ones live on in their memories.
After the performance, Cheryl commented, “that was the most captivating I’ve been in all the auditions so far,” and hugged Daniel onstage. Even Simon Cowell, usually a tough critic, was seen crying during the performance.
Cowell’s emotional reaction stemmed from more than just the performance. He had recently lost his 89-year-old mother and had been by her side in her final moments. Instead of taking more time off, Cowell returned to work with his emotions still raw. The song and Daniel’s story struck a deep chord with Cowell, bringing his emotions to the surface.