A TEARFUL Kiera Weathers is through to the next stage of the X Factor after an emotional performance of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, which the 18-year-old dedicated to the memory of her mum.

The Clock Face Labour club barmaid secured a spot in Rita Ora's six after a nerve-shredding show, which saw the judge chopping and changing her selections as the girls auditioned one afer one.

The six seats were filled when Kiera went on stage but her powerful rendition of the Whitney classic - which she sang in memory of her late mum - had the audience screaming for her to be given a place.

Before singing she told the judges: "My mum used to sing this song to me all the time. Going through the competition I have been having the best time but there is something missing and that is not being able to celebrate with her.

"I am singing this to say thank you to her for getting me where I am now because I know she has been watching over me and I want to let her know that I can feel it."

She followed it up with a performance that brought tears to the eyes and moved the judges.

Nick Grimshaw said: "That's probably the hardest song to take on - one of the hardest songs ever. But you told a story with that song - you could feel it in here.

"I could feel every single word you sung."

Cheryl added: "That was so powerful. You did your mother really proud, your grandmother proud and yourself  proud."

Simon Cowell told Kiera: "It was really beautiful. You meant every word and you sang it so well. Just when I thought I knew where this was going you just turned everything on its head now."

Rita added: "You picked the right song and I believed you and your conviction was there and presence was there. But you know how amazing these other girls are."

An emotional Kiera replied: "I really hope I got across how much I want this and how much I will put up a fight for this."

Cowell then implored: "Does she have a seat or not?"

To which Rita replied: "I'm going to have to give you a seat."