At 34 years old, Maloney had struggled with stage fright for years, and this was his biggest challenge yet. As he stood before the judges and audience, he was visibly shaking, sweating, and even stuttering as he tried to introduce himself.
It seemed as if his nerves might get the best of him, but when he began singing Bette Midler’s The Rose, everything changed.
Maloney’s voice was stunning and emotionally charged, captivating everyone in the room. His heartfelt rendition of the song, which he dedicated to his late grandfather, moved the audience and judges alike. The transformation from a shy, nervous man to a powerful singer was remarkable.
His choice to perform The Rose was deeply personal, as it had been played at his grandfather’s funeral. Maloney had moved in with his grandmother to take care of her, and she had been his greatest supporter, encouraging him for years to audition for the show.
The judges were visibly moved, and the audience gave him a standing ovation, stunned by the contrast between his shy demeanor and his commanding vocal performance.
Maloney’s story and performance struck a chord with millions of viewers, and his emotional journey made his audition one of the most memorable moments in The X Factor UK history.
