X Factor star Anthony Russell brings Sharon Osbourne to tears as he auditions with a black eye after being attacked
The singer revealed he had decided to focus on his music after losing his job in April as he performed for Sharon and her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh with a shiner fresh from the attack
SHARON Osbourne was brought to tears as a down on his luck singer auditioned for the X Factor.
Talented Anthony Russell revealed he had decided to focus on his music after losing his job in April as he performed for Sharon and her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh.
The 27-year-old grafter revealed he had returned to the show a decade after originally trying out promising that he had unfinished business and was determined to make it.
Dad of one Anthony, who had a black eye after being attacked after one of his gigs, then began to sing Issues by Julia Michaels and the judges were clearly moved.
"I really really loved it," said Sharon.
"You're as awkward as hell, you really are but I really felt what you were singing."
Louis then told him: "You've got soul and you sang from here. I loved all your little odditites, I love the way you perform. You come alive when you perform."
Nicole added: "You don't have the best voice but you've got heart. You with your shiner.
"You and your shiner up there are shining. I'm not happy those guys did that to you but it's made you bigger and stronger and made us fall in love with you even more."
Simon agreed, adding: "I like you a lot, people are going to get this."
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He said: "You can interpret a song in your style and make it your version."
The four judges then voted and chose to put him through and he was so overwhelmed he went to hug and kiss each judge and thank them profusely.
"God bless yas," he said as he left the room elated.
* The X Factor airs Saturday and Sunday nights on ITV at 8pm
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