'X-Factor' singer hopes for third time lucky

One brave would-be star tries to make it third time lucky on tonight's episode of 'The X-Factor'.

Marlon, a 27-year-old receptionist from Manchester, wants to wow the judges at the auditions in his hometown after failing in 2005 and 2008.

His version of Bill Withers 'Ain't No Sunshine' found a fan in a surprised Simon Cowell who told him: "The fact that you came with your own version of it, that was different, it actually made the song sound incredibly current, made you relevant...I think you've got a great voice."

Less impressive is Richard, a club singer from Hull, whose version of Jackie Wilson's '(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher' is blasted by Louis Walsh as "20 years out of date".

Also up before the judges is 20-year-old Tobias who already has 20 different jobs on his CV and wants the 21st to be musical superstar.

He has been drinking honey on his gran's advice to help his vocal cords but it does not help his nerves as he launches into a shaky version of Elton John's 'Your Song'.

Also battling to impress the judges are duo Diva Fever who perform 'Let It Be' by The Beatles.

The pair - real names Joseph and Craig - stumble at the first hurdle but get a second chance to impress with a version of Tina Turner's 'Proud'.

'The X-Factor' is on ITV1 at 7.45pm on Sunday September 19.