A reclusive Asperger's sufferer has impressed the judges at this year's X Factor auditions.
According to reports, Scott James - who was once so fearful of being in the public that he spent most of his teenage years in his home in Stockton-on-Tees - overwhelmed the judging panel with his voice.
But the singer's rendition of 'You Raise Me Up' shocked all four members of the judging panel (Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh) and the whole studio audience.
Minogue said: "He came on stage and he was very particular about explaining his condition.
"He told us that because of his Asperger's syndrome and the fact that he'd been picked on, he hadn't left the house in seven years. But he just stood there calmly and told us that his singing teacher had been helping him to build his confidence.
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"Then he started singing. You will not believe his performance when you see it."
Viewers will also see him sing Katy Perry's 'Hot 'n' Cold' and Faith Hill's 'There You'll Be'.
It remains unknown if James makes it through to the judges' houses stage.