Joseph Whelan made a lasting impression on X Factor Global with his electrifying performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” The 26-year-old tattooed tool salesman from Wolverhampton rocked the stage with style, capturing the audience’s attention even before he sang a note, amidst cheers that nearly drowned out the judges.
Whelan proved he was more than just looks; he delivered a powerhouse rendition of Robert Plant’s challenging vocals, balancing grit with a touch of crooning that thrilled the crowd. His explosive scream leading into the chorus left the judges exchanging excited glances, making his audition one of X Factor Global’s most-watched, with 50 million views and counting.
Hailing from Wolverhampton, Whelan brought his four-year-old son Kian to the audition, describing him as the light of his life. He expressed his deep motivation, saying, “There’s so much riding on this for me – not just because I want to be a musician, but I really want to make my son proud and happy. I hope he’s proud of his daddy.”
Before his performance, Whelan shared his musical journey, mentioning his ten years in bands and his desire to pursue a solo career. His acoustic rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Always” on X Factor UK showcased his guitar skills and versatility.
Following his powerful rendition of “Whole Lotta Love,” Judge Tulisa was visibly impressed, commenting, “Joseph, oh my God, what a voice, what a tone you have.” Louis Walsh added, “You’ve got an amazing talent – you’ve got an authentic rock voice,” while Gary Barlow praised, “That was absolutely awesome. What a great voice – I really enjoyed that.” With unanimous approval from the judges, Whelan earned four resounding yes votes, advancing in the competition with newfound acclaim.