X Factor judge Simon Cowell appeared to lose his composure as he watched an aspiring singer audition in tonight's episode of the show.
The TV mogul refrained from commenting on 21-year-old car mechanic Josh Daniel's audition in Manchester, which also moved fellow judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to tears with his emotional rendition of Jealous by Labrinth.
Explaining the choice of song, the Durham hopeful told the judges: "I lost my best friend a couple of years ago and I interpret the lyrics in a completely different way."
The X Factor auditions at Event City in Manchester were postponed after the death of Cowell's mother on Sunday July 5.
Julie Brett, 89, had been ill since the autumn of 2014 before she passed away. At the time, friends said the X Factor supremo was "completely heartbroken".
During Daniel's heartrending performance, Cowell is seen biting his lip and he appeared to wipe away a tear.
At the end of the song, he remained silent while his fellow judges Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw offered their comments.
The BBC Radio 1 DJ said: "That really got me right in the heart."
Fernandez-Versini added: "That was the most captivated I've been in all the auditions so far," before asking if she can give Daniel a hug.
As she headed to the stage, the 32-year-old gently placed a hand of support on Cowell. The head judge then asked for the vote and gave Daniel a wink before leaving the panel. A concerned Fernandez-Versini said "leave him" as he walked off alone.
Tears also flowed during the audition of Seann Miley Moore.
The Australian, now living in London, hit all the right notes with his version of Queen's The Show Must Go On.
Judge Rita Ora welled up and told the 24-year-old: "There is nothing I can say to you apart from I am so happy you came on this show!"
Other aspiring singers hoping to make it through to the next round of the ITV show include boy band The First Kings and market trader Chloe Paige.
The second episode of The X Factor's 12th series airs at 8pm tonight.