Would Niall Horan Have Failed X Factor Audition Without Simon Cowell?

The British version of The X Factor is one of television's most iconic reality competitions, and in its 14 years of existence, it has uncovered real talents that still reverberate throughout the music industry today. In many ways, we have Simon Cowell to thank for this, as he has contributed to The X Factor a lot as the show's creator, producer, and longtime judge.

After all, if it weren't for Cowell, we wouldn't have One Direction — the boy band that changed the world of pop music in the 2010s, garnering millions of fans worldwide. In particular, one of The X Factor and One Direction alumni, Niall Horan, is continuing his successful solo career because of this music production titan.

As it turns out, Horan might not have made it past the audition stage, but it was Simon Cowell who convinced the judges that he had the potential to make it big in the music industry. During the auditions for The X Factor Season 7, the 16-year-old Irish singer performed Ne-Yo's 'So Sick.' The audience was immediately smitten with the teenager's talent, but the judges were much more hesitant.

Besides Simon, Niall was also supported by Louis Walsh, while Cheryl Cole strongly opposed letting him proceed into the competition. Katy Perry appreciated Horan's potential but still wasn't convinced that he was competent enough to compete, saying that the young artist still had to grow and gain experience. It was Perry's lack of confidence that Simon bet on.

'I had to persuade that person to put Niall through, talk about how your life can change,' Cowell shared.

That was the start of Niall Horan's stellar career, but his path to success was still very bumpy. At the suggestion of Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger, he and the other contestants were grouped together, ultimately forming One Direction as we know it today. Although the boy band did not win the season, finishing in third place, their popularity after The X Factor became phenomenal.

The band went on an extended hiatus (aka breakup) in 2016, with all the members now pursuing their own solo careers. Horan's debut album, Flicker, was released in 2017 and became a top seller in the US and Ireland, establishing him as a great artist in his own right.

Now, Niall Horan is a seasoned musician and mentor himself, offering wise and insightful advice to aspiring artists on The Voice. Be sure to watch as his team competes against the singers coached by Kelly Clarkson in the show's Episode 15. It will air on NBC on May 8.

Source: Talent Recap.