In a heartwarming moment during the 2017 X Factor UK boot camp, contestant Sam Black not only received a “yes” from the judges but also from his girlfriend, Emma Smith
🎤 The Audition
Sam Black, a 27-year-old plasterer from Belfast, took the stage during the boot camp auditions. Despite his nerves, he delivered a heartfelt performance of Del Shannon’s “Runaway.” However, the judges—Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh—ultimately decided not to advance him to the next round.
đź’Ť The Proposal
After receiving the disappointing news, Sam turned to the audience and called his girlfriend, Emma, onto the stage. In front of the judges and a live audience, Sam got down on one knee and proposed to Emma, who tearfully accepted. The moment was met with applause and emotional reactions from the judges, especially Nicole Scherzinger, who was visibly moved.
🗣️ Judges’ Reactions
Simon Cowell, known for his candidness, remarked, “You have a good guy there,” acknowledging the sincerity of Sam’s gesture. Nicole Scherzinger, wiping away tears, expressed, “That was beautiful,” while Sharon Osbourne added, “Sometimes, love is the best performance.”
đź’‘ A New Chapter
While Sam didn’t advance in the competition, his proposal became one of the most memorable moments in X Factor history. The couple, who had been together for five years and had an 11-month-old son named Mason, later planned a wedding abroad, considering inviting the judges to the ceremony.
This touching episode highlighted that sometimes, the most significant “yes” isn’t from a panel of judges but from someone special in your life.
