Who is Jai Waetford? Meet ‘X Factor’ Australia 3rd-place finisher who caught Justin Bieber’s eye

As you surely know, “The X Factor” is a global phenomenon with shows that extend far beyond just America (where it may not be airing for much longer, given the ratings) and the United Kingdom. The show has dozens of various adaptations, and this week the contestant on the show’s fifth season in Australia is getting some instant publicity courtesy of one of the biggest stars in music.

Since drawing the attention of Justin Bieber in a post on Instagram, which did not even link back to the actual audition video, Jai Waetford’s first performance on the show has gone viral all around the world. There are nearly five million views on it as of this writing, and Bieber enclosed the following message to go along with the post:

“Make the music you want to make Jai Waetford god has really blessed you. I’m a fan and I haven’t been impressed like this in a very long time.”

Jai ended up lasting until the finale this week and finished in third place, which actually happens to be the same place that One Direction (undoubtedly the biggest “X Factor” success story of all time) finished on their season. With his guitar-strumming and emotional capacity, Jai is actually reminiscent of an early Bieber back when he was making songs like “Never Let You Go” and “One Less Lonely Girl.” Let’s just say that it would be a good idea for Simon Cowell to sign this kid and fast; regardless of what your opinion is on Bieber, he has gotten more into the talent-finding and artist management business over the past few years thanks to his relationship with Scooter Braun and his own experiences going through it. In other words, this is a great person to have on your side.

Take a look at the audition that is going crazy online this week below. Meanwhile, click here if you want to read about the success of another “X Factor” third-place finisher in Fifth Harmony who is currently experiencing a great level of success with their new album. The sky’s the limit for Jai, at least if he gets the right people around him.

Photo: ITV