As Simon Cowell said, Sherilyn Hamilton-Shaw auditioned with one of the most unbelievable backstories the X Factor has ever heard.
The mother of three had been singing since she was 13, but took a hiatus when she turned 30 years old. Her husband, she said, had a work accident that left him paralyzed for six months.
“I gave it all up to basically help him get back to fitness and learn to walk again and I never went back and now I’m here,” said the 40-year-old, who also runs a heart charity.
Ten years later, she bravely stood on stage to perform Whitney Houston’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” a song that accurately describes all she’s been through.
She passionately belted the lyrics, which include, “I thought I’d never make it through/I had no hope to hold on to/I thought I would break.”
The heartfelt performance made judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini very emotional, much like the time a 21-year-old singer made Cowell break down.
“It’s ridiculous how much the words resonate with me and I understand you’ve been through some hard times,” she told the contestant. “It really touched us.”
Watch below to see why this contestant received “three big fat yeses.”
Please SHARE if her performance touched you!
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