Initially, Josh had planned on singing Nathan Sykes’ “Kiss Me Quick,” but was ultimately convinced to change his song choice after some encouragement from his friends.
Kerrianne Covell, a friend and former X Factor contestant, revealed that Josh had rehearsed several songs, but after performing “Jealous” in a dance studio for Kerrianne and their friend Liv Quantrill, they were both deeply moved. Liv, feeling the song’s emotional depth, suggested that Josh stick with “Jealous.” She recalled saying, “There’s no doubt—it has to be the one,” as his heartfelt performance had already touched their hearts.
Just a few days before the audition, Josh called to officially change his song choice. When he finally performed “Jealous” on stage, he dedicated it to his friend Tom Woolley, who had tragically passed away in 2013 at just 18 years old. The emotional tribute resonated with everyone in the room, especially Simon, whose own mother, Julie Brett, had recently passed. Visibly affected, Simon was escorted away on a golf cart after the performance, leaving fellow judges Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini at a loss for words.