Eoghan Quigg was hailed as amazing and adorable by the X Factor judges as he sailed through the first live round of the show on Saturday night.

Dreams of pop stardom are very much alive for the Dungiven teenager following his impeccable performance.

With millions of viewers throughout the UK looking on, the 16-year-old wowed the judges with a faultless rendition of John Lennon's classic Imagine.

Even the show's Mr Nasty — Simon Cowell, who is mentoring the St Patrick’s High School pupil — heaped praise on the young hopeful.

With his mum, dad and two brothers watching in the audience and people across Northern Ireland supporting him from their living rooms, Eoghan showed just why he is being tipped as a possible winner of this year's series.

Cheryl Cole told Eoghan he had “absolutely nailed” the song while Simon said he was “amazed” by how well he had performed.

Louis Walsh, the man responsible for launching the careers of Boyzone and Westlife, told Eoghan he has the potential for a bright future in the music business.

“After that performance you're definitely not going home tonight,” said Louis.

“I think you're the youngest performer, you have got so much potential. You've got a great recording voice.

“Everybody is going to love you and you're going to go a long way in this competition.”

Dannii Minogue — sister of pop superstar Kylie — said she was jealous Eoghan was under the guidance of Simon and not herself

“I've decided I hate Simon,” she joked, “that was so good. You are just sailing towards the final. You are incredible.”

She then drew cheers from the crowd when she asked Eoghan: “Do you have a girlfriend?”

Girls Aloud star Cheryl said: “I was slightly concerned when I heard about the song choice because it's such a big song but you absolutely nailed that tonight. It was amazing.”

Cowell, who is famed for his forthright views and sometimes scathing criticism of contestants, was full of praise for the teen.

He said: “Eoghan, look, you're 16-years-old, I think you'd be the first to admit that you haven't got one of the biggest voices in this competition when you're competing against the Alexandras or the Lauras.

“But, what you did tonight just worked. You got it absolutely right.”

The show's host Dermot O'Leary said he had spotted a tear in Eoghan's eye as the judges gave heaped praise on his performance.

“I know, it's just the crowd's reaction was fantastic,” said Eoghan.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph prior to jetting out for Saturday's show, Eoghan's father Chris said his son has been overwhelmed with the support he has received from the community, St Patrick's High School, sport organisations and local businesses.