The first results show of The X Factor saw a former winner return to the stage where he found fame four years ago.
James Arthur made a triumphant return to the ITV show after re-signing with Simon Cowell’s music label Syco Records.
James, who has had a turbulent few years, graced the stage performing his latest single Say You Won’t Let Go.
But a few eagle-eyed viewers noticed James changed his lyrics:
James Arthur just got his own lyrics wrong. From someone who has listened to that song 5367853 times #XFactor
— Jayde (@Jaydemikaela) October 9, 2016
#XFactor did James Arthur just forget his own lyrics oopsies poopsies
— Kelsie Collins (@kelsielala) October 9, 2016
#XFactor did James Arthur just forget his own lyrics oopsies poopsies
— Kelsie Collins (@kelsielala) October 9, 2016
The singer took to Twitter to apologise to fans for “incorrect lyrics”, saying: “That was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done.”
That was the most nerve wracking thing I've ever done so apologies for the pitchyness and incorrect lyrics but thank you so much everyone ❤️
— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) October 9, 2016
Simon described James, who was mentored by Nicole Scherzinger in 2012, as the “comeback kid”, and viewers couldn’t agree more:
How great was @JamesArthur23 on @TheXFactor?! 😍😍😍😍 #XFactor pic.twitter.com/2pBVxtmDww
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) October 9, 2016
I've always had a lot of respect for James Arthur but I just gained a huge amount more... #glitch #XFactor
— mollie // pinned🎤 (@mollieemmaa) October 9, 2016
Powerful 👏🏻@JamesArthur23 smashed it #XFactor
— Max Morley (@maxmorley1) October 9, 2016
#XFactor Nice one @JamesArthur23 Great performance. The song remains No.1 on both Spotify & iTunes today..
— Kevin Hughes (@Popprince) October 9, 2016
Absolutely love @JamesArthur23 song 👌🏻 smashed it on the #XFactor
— Nicola McLean (@NicolaMcLean) October 9, 2016
Ok not ashamed 2say I went 2the #XFactor tour just 2see @JamesArthur23 😂 his voice touches my soul. Glad UR back on top Hun. Well deserved👌🏼
— Lady Nadia Essex (@LadyNadiaEssex) October 9, 2016
After his performance, James asked viewers to log on to social media to raise awareness of Mental Health Day (October 10) and fans loved him even more:
Amazing job @JamesArthur23 .. on every level 😊 #Glitch #WorldMentalHealthDay
— Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) October 9, 2016
James Arthur using X factor to promote Mental Health Awareness has earned him a lot of my respect #Glitch
— DC (@_darcycannon) October 9, 2016
So proud of him for raising awareness for mental health for #WorldMentalHealthDay tomorrow💕 @JamesArthur23 #JamesArthur #XFactor
— ａｎｎａｂｅｌｌｅ (@ADJCollins) October 9, 2016
Awww James Arthur. Good lad promoting Mental Health on x factor. 👍💜 #Glitch xo
— kayleigh salter (@kayjeanjeanie) October 9, 2016
The 28-year-old singer reached number one in the Official Singles Chart with Say You Won’t Let Go.
James, who was dropped by Simon’s record label in 2014, said: “This is incredible. I wasn’t in any way expecting it.
“I knew it was a good song and I thought some people might like it, but if you’d said to me it would be this well received, I would have thought you were pulling my leg.”
