A NORTH-East teenager was described as “the reason I wanted to sit in this chair” by X-Factor judge Gary Barlow when she launched her bid for pop stardom tonight.

Amelia Lily Oliver, 16, from Nunthorpe, near Middlesbrough, wowed the Take That frontman and fellow judges, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Talisa Contostavlos during her audition for the ITV show in Liverpool.

Singing Take A Little Piece of My Heart, Amelia had the audience in raptures.

Prior to taking to the stage she said: “I have a got a really supportive family, especially my dad. He has wanted me to do this more than anybody. He has just got so much faith and hope in me.”

Her father said: “When I hear Amelia sing I just keep thinking 'is that my little girl?'. If Amelia goes through I will be over the moon. I think she has got a great future, but obviously nerves will creep in, it's a big, daunting task for someone who is 16-years-old.”

Amelia went on: “You are used to watching the X-Factor, but when you are actually here it is like 'Oh my God it is actually happening'.

“You have just got to give it 'rock all' as my dad would say and go out there and do what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

As soon as Ameila, looking like a young Christina Aguilera, hit her first note, the audience took to its feet, applauding and cheering.

When it came to the judge's comments, all were in agreement that they had a star in the making.

“This is the reason I wanted to sit in this chair, to discover a talent like this, oh my goodness, 16-years-old,” said Barlow. “That absolutely lifted the top off this arena. That was incredible.”

Talisa agreed, saying: “Let me tell you something, people work their whole lives and take forever to get to the level that you are at right now. You came on that stage so much older than your years. You performed like a 30-year-old woman that had been perfecting her craft. That was amazing, you blew up the stage.”

Louis said: “It was big, it was bold, it was beautiful and I think a star is born.”

While Kelly added: “I am still having a hard time understanding that you are 16-years-old. You have such a natural gift, you were born to do this.”

Do you know Amelia? Call the newsdesk on 01325-505065 or email newsdesk@nne.co.uk