Jahmene Douglas’ Audition – Etta James’ “At Last” | The X Factor UK 2012
Some auditions go down in X Factor history, and Jahmene Douglas’ audition in 2012 is one of those rare, breathtaking moments. Singing Etta James’ classic “At Last”, Jahmene stunned both the judges and the audience with a voice that was powerful, emotional, and completely unexpected.
🌟 Who Is Jahmene Douglas?
Jahmene was a 21-year-old supermarket worker from Swindon, England, when he stepped onto The X Factor stage. Shy and soft-spoken, he looked nervous in front of the judges, but from the very first note, it was clear that his talent was extraordinary.
🎶 The Audition
Jahmene chose the timeless ballad “At Last” by Etta James — a bold choice, as the song is known for its difficulty and emotional weight.
✨ Highlights of his performance:
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His incredible vocal range, reaching effortless high notes.
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The ability to pour raw emotion into every lyric.
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A performance that left the audience in goosebumps and tears.
👏 Judges’ Reactions
The judges were visibly stunned:
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Louis Walsh called his voice “incredible and unique.”
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Tulisa said she was “blown away” by his talent.
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Gary Barlow praised his range and emotional connection to the song.
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Even Nicole Scherzinger was left speechless and emotional.
By the end of the performance, Jahmene received four strong YES votes and advanced to the next round.
🚀 Why This Audition Was Special
Jahmene’s performance stood out because it wasn’t just about hitting high notes — it was about telling a story through music. His soulful voice and emotional delivery made his audition one of the most talked-about moments of The X Factor UK 2012.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Jahmene Douglas’ audition of “At Last” remains one of the most iconic and emotional auditions in X Factor history. His journey on the show only grew from there, but it was this first performance that introduced him as a truly remarkable talent.
