X Factor 2012: Nicole Scherzinger Left 'Inspired' By Frontrunner James Arthur

Tonight saw the X Factor auditions return to Newcastle and just as Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger were starting to worry about the lack of talent in the Toon, hopeful James Arthur stepped onto the stage and blew them away, especially Nicole who revealed that she felt "inspired" by the hopeful.

The hopeful, whose life story was shown on a VT before his audition, took to the stage and performed a mash-up of Tulisa's song, 'Young' with his own lyrics.

Impressed with the 24 year-old's vocal abilities, the judges didn't waste anytime in telling James how good they thought he was. First to give their feedback to James was Tulisa, who commented:

"James when you’re up there I just see you get lost in that world, it’s just you, the microphone, the guitar, best audition of the day."

Echoing Tulisa's sentiments, Gary added: "We sit here all day and we watch lots and lots of people stand on this stage and 99% of those people, I sit there and go okay we need to change this, we need to do that, they need to try this… if anyone dares touch what you do, because it’s so good, you should be very proud today that was a fantastic audition, well done."

Believing that his audition could change his life, Louis told the hopeful: "James you’re a real original and I think from today on, your life is totally going to change."

Blown away with his performance, Nicole who had called Newcastle a "TFZ - Talent Free Zone", commented: "Well James, now I see why your mum and your dad put their differences  aside, I came on this show and people are like why are you coming on this show and I say, because I am looking for an artist who inspires me and that’s exactly what you did today, you inspired me and that’s because you sat on that stage and you bared your soul to us."

With James getting four certain yeses from the judges, Sky Bet has placed James as a frontrunner to win the competition with 7/1 odds alongside last week's hopefuls Ella Henderson and Jahmene Douglas.

What do you think of James' audition?

Which category will win this year?

Prince Harry Forced To Delete Facebook Account Following Naked Scandal
Kristen Stewart Doesn't Understand Why She Should Suffer For Rupert Sanders Affair
Katy Perry Wears Revealing Dress On Robert Pattinson Date?