Nerves under control as Jahmene sails through (From This Is Wiltshire)

X FACTOR finalist Jahmene Douglas was told he was one of the strongest male singers the show had ever seen after his performance on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old, who was working at Swindon’s Asda Walmart until July, was the last to perform in the first live show of the season, but he showed he was worth the wait as he demonstrated his vocal range in a rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine.

The former New College pupil looked nervous waiting for the results last night, but was delighted after the public voted him through to take part in next week’s show.

After his performance on Saturday, judge Tulisa Contostavlos said: “You have one of the strongest male vocals this competition has ever seen. I am absolutely speechless, that performance blew me away.”

But fellow judge Gary Barlow, warned him to be careful.

“You are a supreme singer, just beware you don’t over sing – and I say that as one of your biggest fans,” he said.

At boot camp Jahmene was seen having a panic attack before he took to the stage, but there was no signs of nerves before his live performance this weekend.

Before singing, Jahmene said: “Being part of the X Factor is just a crazy experience because I have been doing video shoots and photo shoots. Working in Asda, you don’t do any of that kind of stuff.

“A lot of people at home see me as the nervous one on X Factor but I am working on it. I have really worked hard on my nerves. I feel more confident. Tonight I want to prove I am not the nervous one.”

Dressed in a black suit, Jahmene showed that performing as contestant number 13 in the show was not going to be unlucky for him.

His song choice reflected the theme for this week, which was Heroes. Other contestants sang hits including Simply The Best, Rule The World and Gold.

After watching his performance, Jahmene’s mentor, Nicole Scherzinger, said: “What is so great about Jahmene is he doesn’t do what he rehearses every time, he feels the moment.

“I am so proud of you, I saw that twinkle in your eye. You have overcome your nerves. I just want to squeeze you.”

Fellow judge Louis Walsh said: “Jahmene, I am so glad Nicole picked you because you were one of my favourite auditions ever on X Factor when you sang At Last.

“You are amazing. You don’t have the confidence the other contestants have but you have got the talent and you have got the potential.

“I am your biggest fan.”

The next live show takes place on Saturday night at 8pm on ITV1.