‘The X Factor’ UK preview: Giles Potter makes Gary Barlow (and all of Britain) smile

Can we say already that we have a new favorite on “The X Factor,” and this is without knowing a single little thing about him? The thing that makes Giles Potter so darn likable is just that he seems like a complete natural when he is on stage. Are there a few moments in here where it feels like his voice goes slightly sharp? Sure, but the value he brings as an entertainer more than makes up for most of it.

In the video below, this 16-year old (who looks like the love child of Gary Barlow and Olly Murs) auditions to the hit “Price Tag,” which was ironically recorded by former “Voice” UK judge Jessie J. It’s fun, energetic, and he even manages to get the typically-grumpy Gary to sing along with him in a call-and-response fashion. (Yes, he did sort of put Gary on the spot, but this can be forgiven.)

The biggest issue that we typically have of singing-show contestants is that they treat this audition as something that they should just stand there and sing for, almost like they are so desperate for approval. Despite being so young, this kid seems to know exactly who he is, and he’ll go on doing it regardless of what the judges think. To us, he is the strongest contender of the boys that we’ve seen, and if he doesn’t get through as a solo artist we could see him being thrown into a group a la what happened with One Direction years ago. He’s of the perfect age and has the look for it.

Check out the preview video below, and we sill have another preview from the audition rooms tomorrow. Meanwhile, click here to hear the new singles from former “X Factor” stars Union J and James Arthur.

Photo: ITV