'X Factor' hopeful auditions for father

X Factor hopeful Nicole has claimed that she was inspired to audition on the ITV1 show by her late father.

The 31-year-old care worker used to gig regularly at clubs and weddings with her dad, before he passed away at Christmas. She now says that her ambition is to perform with an orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall.

"You get one life, I've really just got to get out there and find my dream," she states. "My dad was just the most incredible man you would ever meet. He was my best friend, it's just been so tough being without him.

"For so many years it's just been the two of us and now obviously part of that has been taken away, although I'd lost my dad and it was just so hard, singing I had to do to get me through it."

Speaking to Simon Cowell, she adds: "I've done a lot of singing in pubs and clubs and weddings, and I did a lot of work with my father who was also a singer, and we were kind of like a little duet that we used to go around and do things together.

"My father passed away at Christmas and before he passed away, he encouraged me to come for The X Factor."

Nicole performs Janis Joplin's 'Take A Little Piece Of My Heart', but Simon Cowell doesn't approve of the song choice. However, he gives her a second chance and for her second attempt she sings Alicia Keys's 'If I Ain't Got You'.

The X Factor airs on Saturday at 8pm on ITV1.