It was that awkward moment when you almost didn't want to look. When Shiane Hawke took the stage for her X Factor audition, it wasn't just the judges who were sceptical.

But after being shown how to handle the mic, the brave teenager from Darwin let go of her fear.

"I couldn't believe it, I was just standing there, and I was like, 'Did they seriously just say yes? Did they just stand up?' I was like, 'Wow'," Shiane said.

• X Factor newcomer set to shine
• The X Factor's new crop
• What's next for Steph Rice?
• Bollywood takes on Sydney

It wasn't the first time Shiane has had to be brave, as a young baby, born with a club foot, she endured countless operations and spent her toddler years in callipers.

"I used to get sad sometimes when I had to go through that, but it's made me stronger and it's made me who I am today," Shiane said.

Entertainment writer for the Sunday Telegraph, Jonathon Moran, watched last night's performances and was overwhelmed by the level of talent.

"Shiane has got something special about her, she's unique, she can sing and she proved that on last night's show. She's awkward, she's cute, and she looks like she's got the odds against, her but I think the people of Australia will like that, they like a battler the same way that people around the world liked Susan Boyle," Jonathon said.

And if the trending in social media was anything to go by, Shiane along with other X Factor hopefuls like Bella and Josh Brooks, could well become a worldwide sensation.

• One Direction's X-Factor journey
• Where is Reece now?
• Be part of the X Factor

Discovered by The X Factor

X Factor highlights

Who wore what?