The X Factor 2018 finally kicked off tonight (September 1), and with it came an early standout moment.

Last up to audition after a series of good (and not so good) performances was Andy Hofton, a Robbie Williams superfan.

After singing a song that he once sent to Gary Barlow, Andy had an ace up his sleeve with his second tune – ‘Angels’ by the Robster.

ITV

However, the best moment was in store as Robbie decided to go up on stage and join the contestant, singing a few verses from the song himself.

The crowd was pretty rapturous, and the judging panel was pretty enthusiastic too, Ayda Field saying of her husband’s song: “You sang one of my favourite songs with my favourite person

“You seemed to really, really enjoy yourself and I’m glad I’ve been really entertained by you,” Robbie added.

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Simon Cowell was very pleased too, declaring: “How can I say no to something which is one of my favourite auditions”.

Unsurprisingly, it was four yeses for Andy.

That wasn’t the only moment of the evening that got Robbie off his feet, with 90’s band Livin’ Joy’s Janice Robinson’s audition getting him pretty emotional.

ITV

The singer sang her 1994 hit ‘Dreamer’, Robbie saying: “Your song has been a major soundtrack of my life. I was transported to a time there, to a person that I used to be and they were incredible times for me, but messy times.

“I could cry but I’m going to try not to because I’m on the TV, but I’ve just had an incredibly special moment right here on stage with you and I just want to thank you.”