Singer Paige Elliot Phoenix surprised and touched X-Factor judges and audience alike when he took to the stage to audition for the reality talent series last night.

Revealing his passion for music and the struggles involved in his female-to-male gender transition, he was applauded by judge Ronan Keating for his bravery in telling his story on national television.

Phoenix brought the house down with his rendition of INXS’ Never Tear Us Apart and has now progressed to the next round of the show thanks to the approval of all three judges.

Watch the segment and performance below: