16-year-old Liam Payne made his return to The X Factor on Saturday night after his judge’s home exit in 2008.

Liam, from Wolverhampton entered the auditions in Birmingham where he performed a rendition of  ‘Cry Me A River’ by Justin Timberlake.  He received a standing ovation from Simon Cowell who decided not to put Liam through to the finals back in 2008.

On the night Liam was asked if Simon had made the right decision two years ago and replied:

“I do think Simon made the right decision because I was really young and I wasn’t ready. Now I’m 16 and I’m ready to give it another shot.”

Following Liam’s performance Simon Cowell said:

 “This goes to prove my point. Two years ago I said you needed to go away for a little bit.

“You’ve changed into a man and are so much better for it.”