Los jueces heard him say: „I’ve been playing in bands for about ten years and wanted to try something on my own,“ before singing. Talking about young Kian and his wish to „do the best I can for him and give him the best life I can,“ elicited many „awws“ from the crowd.
In an acoustic rendition of Bon Jovi’s „Always“ during his audition on X Factor UK, Whelan showed a new side of his personality and guitar skills.
Whelan finished his flawless performance of „Whole Lotta Love,“ and Judge Tulisa quietly said „wow.“ She said, „Joseph, oh my God, what a voice, what a tone you have,“ once the applause died down.
At that moment, he rubbed Judge Gary Barlow the wrong way with the words „Gary is going to start getting jealous because you’re going to be hogging all the female attention.“
„This was an absolutely outstanding audition,“ Louis Walsh added later. „You’re incredibly talented; your rock voice is genuine.“ „That was absolutely awesome,“ Barlow commented after comparing Whelan’s polite introduction to his wild rock roar.
„I thought it was fantastic; what a wonderful voice.“ After receiving such glowing reviews from the judges, Whelan returned home with four solid yes votes.