[Red Moon]

X Factor Judges Compare Austin With Chart-Topper Bobby Darin

CONTESTANT Austin Drage was likened to chart-topper Bobby Darin following his "best performance so far" on X Factor.

The 22-year-old is through the third week of the ITV talent show's live finals following a dazzling display.

After receiving mixed comments for his different take on Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean the previous week, Austin blew away all four judges with his rendition of Mack The Knife on Saturday night's Big Band themed edition.

Austin, who went to the Ridgeway Studios Performing Arts School in Cuffley, produced a show-stopping performance of the Bobby Darin No1 hit to have the live studio audience on their feet.

Judge Louis Walsh told him: "I wasn't crazy about you last week. I've totally changed my mind tonight.

"That was absolutely brilliant. It's been your best performance so far."

He went on to compare Austin to the American singer who took the same song to the top of the UK charts in 1959.

"You remind me of a young Bobby Darin and sometimes less is more. You are a great entertainer."

Mentor Simon Cowell was equally glowing in his praise of his young protégé.

He said: "I've heard so many people murder this song over the years and it is one of my favourite songs of all time, the Bobby Darin version.

"I thought your voice sounded so authentic on that track.

"I thought once again it was a great, great performance."

All four judges were impressed with Austin's showmanship, despite his nerves beforehand.

Dannii Minogue told him: "Austin don't get nervous.

"That song enabled you to do what you do best, you worked this whole audience. Congratulations."

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole added: "That was my favourite Austin performance so far. I absolutely loved it.

"I think you are a natural, definitely a natural."

* Music fans under a certain age will probably wonder who Bobby Darin was.

Born Walden Robert Cassotto in New York in 1936, he was a chart-topping singer on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1950s.

He had a No1 hit in the UK in July 1959 with rock 'n' roll song Dream Lover, but he is perhaps best known for his rendition of Mack The Knife later that same year.

Darin took the swing classic to the top of the charts in both America and the UK and it also won him a Grammy.

Source:Times 24