IT WAS a nail-biting moment for friends and family of X Factor contestant Giles Potter but the confident teenager sailed through the first auditions.

Giles, from Norton, was described as the “heart and soul of the show” by judge Gary Barlow after he performed Jessie J’s Price Tag in front of the panel on Saturday’s programme.

At one point, the 16-year-old even got the Take That and solo singer to act as backing singer during his rendition of the pop song.

And Giles also proved a big hit with fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger who referred to him throughout as “Ja-Ja” adding that he had a twinkle in his eye.

Sharon Osbourne, who has returned to the judging panel this year, said she really enjoyed the performance while Louis Walsh added he had bags of potential.

While the former Pershore High School pupil’s performance blew away the judging panel, it came as no surprise to those who had seen him in action during school performances and gigs.

Headteacher Clive Corbett said: “We are delighted to watch his progress and we are all willing him on.

“It has been a wonderful surprise to see him on the X Factor but in many ways not a surprise to see Giles doing so well.

“Everyone at Pershore High School is behind him to go all the way.

“We don’t want to put pressure on him but we know he has got a lot of talent and determination as well as the personality and cheekiness - in the nicest way possible.”

Giles, who joined the school in 2009, performed in the title role of the school production Oliver! in March.

Big screens at the school are currently updating pupils with his progress on the show.

Currently studying performing arts and musical theatre, Giles has also performed at W Factor, the talent show held by Wychavon District Council, and won the event in 2011.

He has also starred in the National Open Mic Competition, in the end of year show for WODAC, the WODYS academy, and as part of Evesham Hospital Radio’s roadshows

Pete Challenger, Evesham Hospital Radio manager, said he was first contacted by friend Samantha Faulkener who asked if Giles could perform at a summer fayre in June 2010.

“To be honest, at the time I thought nothing of it until the actual roadshow,” he said.

“He had the crowd in his hands and he returned again in following years too.

“It’s just not something that happens very often. His voice is so powerful and it was so hard to believe during that first performance that it came from this little lad who was four foot nothing.

“I don’t think people like him come along very often, he has got a great personality and is one of the nicest kids you could meet.”