AJ Bentley succeeds on Let It Shine after failing to make it as a pop star on The X Factor
The 21-year-old dancer won rave reviews from the judges and viewers
SINGING hopeful AJ Bentley succeeded on the BBC where he failed on ITV after wowing the judges on Gary Barlow’s Let It Shine.
The 21-year-old dancer from London won over the judges and viewing public as he performed a rousing rendition of the Stevie Wonder classic Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Romping off with more votes and stars than needed to make it through to the next round, AJ was thrilled to have succeeded with his audition.
Guest judge Amber Riley was blown away by the blond, gushing: “Loved it AJ! You were great. You're really smart. You're not the strongest vocalist but you perform to your strengths.”
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Fellow judge Dannii Minogue suggested AJ could bring something to Gary’s West End musical that other contestants could not.
“You need the guy with the energy, who can sing and perform and grab everyone’s attention. You have that 100%,” the Aussie beauty enthused.
Meanwhile Gary also offered high praise, saying: “This show is called Let It Shine. It was like a big light shining off the stage.”
While AJ had a great audition on Let It Shine, it was a different story for him two years ago when he tried to make it through to The X Factor.
He appeared on the show as part of a boyband but was then sent home after failing to impress Simon Cowell and co.
However viewers of Let It Shine were impressed by AJ’s turn this time – and some recognised him.
One asked on social media: “Why does AJ look oddly familiar?”
Comments on Twitter raved for the 21-year-old, with many calling him “great” and “hot”.
One viewer was also excited by his footwork, tweeting: “@AJBentleyUK he got the Take That moooves.”
Later in the same episode, another former X Factor hopeful saw his dreams take one step closer to reality as Gary, Amber, Dannii and Martin Kemp awarded him enough starts to pass round one of Let It Shine auditions.
Kyle Passmore - also failing on The X Factor two years ago, stumbling at judges houses - sang James Morrison's You Give Me Something.
Breaking down in tears after being put through, Kyle gushed: "Thank you so much! You've done a massive thing for me right now. This is amazing."
Dannii Minogue was the only judge not to award five stars, saying: "I honestly think you have so much more to give."
Meanwhile Gary gave his seal of approval, stating: "We sit here studying watching the movements, pitching... this was five stars with my heart."
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