Amy Mottram’s Stunning X Factor UK 2012 Audition — Adele’s “One and Only”
The X Factor UK has always been a stage where hidden gems are discovered, and in 2012, one of those gems was Amy Mottram, a 16-year-old girl from Essex who walked into her audition with nerves but walked out with a standing ovation and a golden ticket to the next round. Singing Adele’s powerhouse ballad “One and Only,” Amy delivered one of the most emotional and vocally impressive auditions of the season.
🌟 Who is Amy Mottram?
Amy was just 16 years old when she auditioned for The X Factor UK. She came across as bubbly, down-to-earth, and full of youthful energy. But beneath that cheerful personality was a voice that could rival some of the biggest stars in music.
What made Amy even more endearing was her genuine humility. She didn’t come on stage with an overconfident attitude. Instead, she admitted to feeling nervous but excited — which made the judges and the audience instantly warm up to her.
🎶 The Song Choice: “One and Only” by Adele
Choosing to sing an Adele song is always a risk on The X Factor. Adele’s vocals are iconic, and tackling her music requires a blend of power, control, and emotional depth. Many contestants shy away from such difficult choices, but Amy stepped up to the challenge with incredible confidence.
From the very first line of “One and Only”, Amy’s voice rang out clear, soulful, and strong. Her ability to hit high notes effortlessly while keeping control of her tone immediately caught the judges’ attention.
As the song progressed, she built momentum, pouring more passion into every word. Her performance wasn’t just about technical skill — it was about telling a story and connecting emotionally with the audience.
👏 Judges’ Reactions
The panel of judges in 2012 included Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, and Nicole Scherzinger.
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Tulisa: She was visibly moved and told Amy she had the makings of a star.
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Gary Barlow: Known for being the toughest judge, he praised her control, saying, “You’ve got an incredible tone for someone so young.”
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Nicole Scherzinger: Called Amy’s performance “beautiful and soulful”, noting that she delivered Adele’s song with her own unique flavor.
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Louis Walsh: Simply summed it up with, “You’re born to sing. That was amazing.”
It was no surprise that Amy received a resounding “yes” from all four judges, advancing her to Bootcamp.
💖 Why Amy’s Audition Stood Out
Amy’s audition was memorable because it felt so authentic. At just 16, she had a maturity in her voice that exceeded her age. She didn’t try to imitate Adele but instead added her own soulful twist, making the performance feel fresh and personal.
Her combination of vocal strength, youthful charm, and raw emotion made her a standout contestant that season.
📺 Amy’s Journey After The Audition
Amy continued her X Factor journey into the judges’ houses stage, where she performed once again with passion. Although she didn’t make it all the way to the live shows, she left a lasting impression on fans of the show.
After The X Factor, Amy continued pursuing music, performing at local gigs and events. Her audition remains one of the most rewatched performances from the 2012 season — a testament to its impact.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Amy Mottram’s audition of Adele’s “One and Only” on The X Factor UK 2012 is a perfect reminder of the magic of the show. It gave a platform to a young, talented singer who poured her heart into every note.
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