Oxfordshire farmer Jacqueline Faye’s stunning X Factor performance schools Simon Cowell on pre judging contestants

Even with cameras rolling, genuine reactions can't always be concealed. Simon Cowell visibly showed his disapproval when 53-year-old Jacqueline Faye stepped onto the X Factor 2018 platform for her tryout. The day had likely been filled with tedious performances, and Faye certainly didn't resemble a typical X Factor competitor. Her appearance suggested a mature mother dressed for an important family gathering. This impression worsened when the anxious, bright-eyed Faye enumerated all the animals residing on her Oxfordshire farm.

Following the broadcast of her audition, where Jacqueline Faye astonished the judges with her performance of Cilla Black's "You're My World," many viewers took to social media to criticize Cowell for his premature judgment. See It Live referenced several tweets, with this one being particularly relevant: "Simon never learns. Two words: Susan Boyle. He judged her and look what she did."

Before viewing Faye's audition recording, notice her obvious fondness for judge Robbie Williams.

After other panel members praised Jacqueline Faye (Robbie Williams mentioned she reminded him of home, saying, "You transport me to safety and kindness. There's something really special about you"), Cowell nearly apologized.

"When you walked out I thought you'd walked out onto the wrong show by mistake," he admitted, while Robbie Williams glanced at him sideways. "I'm thinking this isn't going to be great, and then you were. You're a little tiger, aren't you? That's why we will never put an age barrier on the show."

Faye's spirits momentarily sank when Cowell seriously stated his vote was no, before quickly clarifying it was definitely yes. Soon all four judges agreed. The most heartwarming scene occurred afterward when Robbie Williams went backstage to embrace Faye warmly.

Unfortunately, Faye didn't progress beyond the "Six Chair Challenge" round of the contest, though she came very close. She initially received a chair, only to have it given to a later contestant.

That was Jacqueline Faye and her sixteen-year-old step-daughter Vikki Rosina on prime time Saturday night Television when they appeared on Michael Barrymore's My Kinda Music. This game show ran from February 8, 1998 to March 29, 2002.

As suggested by her My Kinda Music appearance, South-Wales-born Jacqueline Faye is a seasoned vocalist. When she competed on X Factor, she had 25 years of experience as a professional singer, including 14 years performing on The London Showboat - a 3½ hour evening cruise on the Thames, featuring a four-course dinner and live entertainment. Since her X Factor appearance, Jacqueline Faye continues to offer her services as a vocalist for hire.

She works with Tony Bennell Entertainments as her representative. The most recent online listing shows Jacqueline Faye performing at the Goring Social Club in Goring during February 2020. Fans who want to book Faye for events or check her upcoming performances can reach out to her agency directly.