X-ceptionally cute: X Factor hopeful dressed as Michael Jackson for Stars in Their Eyes

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 10:09 EST, 4 October 2008


As he took to the stage in an afro wig and colourful outfit, it was always clear this little boy had dreams of the big time.

Dressed as a young Michael Jackson 14-year-old Ashton Merrygold took part in a children's edition of ITV talent show Stars in Their Eyes.

Little did he know that six years later he would another chance at stardom - but this time as himself on the X Factor.

Aston Merrygold
Aston Merrygold

The cute factor: X Factor contestant Aston Merrygold in JLS and dressed as Michael Jackson for Stars In Their Eyes Kids in 2002

Ashton is part of boy band JLS which made it through bootcamp and into the final 24 acts in last weeks' show.

They impressed judges Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole with their soulful renditions of Ain't no Mountain, by Marvin Gaye and Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word by Elton John and Blue.

Aston Merrygold

Stars in his eyes: 14-year-old Aston meets the show's host Matthew Kelly

In the next round of the show they will be mentored by Louis as they compete to make it into the final 12 acts.

After making it through 180,00 people they will battle it out in the judge's luxury house.

The groups have been staying in Louis Walsh's grand Dublin castle with him and Shane from Westlife.

There are six contestants in each group but only three from each will go through to the live shows.

The boys will compete against 4 Instinct, Bad Lashes, Desire, Girlband and Priority.

Enlarge   JLS

Moment of truth: Boy band JLS made through bootcamp after impressing the judges in last week's show