AN X-Factor hopeful from Wirral recalled the 'heart-pounding' moment she attempted to wow Simon Cowell and his fellow judges during the first round of auditions for the new series.

Chloe O'Gorman, from Rock Ferry, gained four "big fat yeses" with her rendition of Joss Stone's Right to be Wrong.

As a result the 17-year-old, who attends St John Plessington School in Bebington, sailed through to the next round which will see contestants audition again in front of the judges and a packed arena.

The auditions were screened in the first episode of the 11th series on Saturday night.

Music mogul Simon Cowell said she had "natural soul", adding: “I think we’ve just scratched the surface with you’ after hearing the teenager give a confident performance.

Chloe described securing her place in the next round as "like a dream come true".

She told the Globe: "I’ve been singing since the age of six, so to make it through the first round of auditions for X-Factor was like a dream come true.

"But I was incredibly nervous, never thought I’d get through.

"I walked into the audition and the judges don’t say anything to you.

"After I’d done my audition, there was a heart-pounding moment before Simon said ‘I think you’re absolutely incredible."

It was not the first time has auditioned for the show.

She stood in front of the judges last year and earned four yeses but in the end was not one of the 12 finalists.

Former prison officer Sam Bailey won the 2013 competition.

On auditioning a second time, Chloe continued: "Hopefully, I’ll get a bit further in the competition this year, but we’ll see what happens.

"Sitting in the waiting room before going in to audition, you see so many singers and always wonder they are going to be as good as you.

"There are so many amazing people, you never think you’re going to make it through."