Justin has the X Factor

BUNDABERG born and bred country music singer Justin Standley wowed the audience and judges during his first audition on the X Factor last night.

Mr Standley brought a tear to the eye of audience members and left the judges stunned as he revealed his motivation for auditioning was the hope that he may be reunited with his teenage children.

"I wasn't sure how the audience and the public would respond to my story," he said.

"It was so emotional and intense watching the show back last night."

Mr Standley lost contact with his children 12 years ago when his relationship with his partner broke down.

Coming to terms with his sexuality, he said he convinced himself that he didn't deserve to see his children because he was gay.

But Mr Standley's fears about the public's reaction were laid to rest and he was overwhelmed by the feedback his performance gained.

"Most of the messages were super positive," he said.

"Some of the messages were mind blowing as there were a few leads on my children, so I'm full of hope about finding my family."

Standing in front of 4000 people at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Mr Standley sang Elton John's Rocket Man and his performance was good enough to receive a resounding yes from all four celebrity judges, Guy Sebastian, Melanie B, Ronan Keating and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

Audiences will now have to wait and see if Mr Standley can progress through the elimination challenges during boot camp.