Music has always been more than just a pastime—for many, it is a lifeline. Few television auditions capture this raw truth quite as powerfully as Lascel Woods’ memorable 2011 appearance on The X Factor UK. Stepping onto the stage at just 20 years old, the Brighton native delivered a performance that touched the hearts of the judges and viewers alike, transforming personal hardship into a moment of pure, emotive art.
A Childhood Shaped by Challenge and Resilience
Before taking the stage, Lascel opened up about his upbringing, sharing a deeply personal story that immediately established a connection with the audience. Growing up was far from easy. From the age of about four, Lascel entered the foster care system because his mother suffered from bipolar disorder, experiencing unpredictable highs and lows.
Despite the disruption and feelings of being lost, Lascel maintained an extraordinary sense of empathy, noting that it wasn’t his mother’s fault, but rather an illness she couldn’t help. Through it all, music served as his sanctuary. Armed with a little karaoke machine in his bedroom, singing became his ultimate escape—a way to prove to himself that he was free.
A Milestone Moment for Mother and Son
What made the day even more significant was the presence of Lascel’s mother in the audience. Having since left foster care and rebuilt a strong bond with his mom, Lascel revealed a bittersweet detail: despite their closeness, she had never actually heard him perform properly before.
With his real mother and friends watching from the sidelines, the audition represented a fresh start and an opportunity to move forward.
A Soulful Rendition of “Use Somebody”
When the time came to perform, Lascel chose Kings of Leon’s hit track “Use Somebody,” putting his own distinct, soulful spin on the arrangement. Backed by nothing more than his distinctive vocals and emotional depth, he commanded the room.
As he sang the opening lines—“I’ve been roaming around, always looking down at all I see”—the judges and audience were instantly drawn in. His delivery was heavy with lived experience, turning a popular rock song into an intimate, hauntingly beautiful confession.
Overwhelming Praise from the Judges
When the final notes faded, emotion hung thick in the air. Asked how he felt, a visibly moved Lascel admitted he was overwhelmed. The judges then invited his mother down to the stage, creating a tender moment where she expressed her immense pride.
The panel was unanimous in their praise:
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Kelly commended not just the performance, but the profound relationship between Lascel and his mother, noting how refreshing it was to watch a contestant bring such raw hunger and passion.
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The judges emphasized that beyond his great pitch and timing, what truly sold the audition was that they believed every single word he sang, praising his rare, bucket-load talent.
Unsurprisingly, the verdict resulted in a resounding string of “yeses” from the panel, sending Lascel through to the next round and validating a lifetime of using music as a tool for survival and expression.
