Shy Jahmene Douglas has always been supported by his mother on The X Factor but the talented singer has been through hell because of his abusive father.
Eustace Douglas was sentenced to 9 years' jail for GBH in 2003 after attacking Jahmene's mum Mandy at the family home in Bath, Somerset.
Jahmene, 21, who sang I Say A Little Prayer on last night's show, had tears in his eyes as host Dermot O'Leary showed viewers newspaper headlines about his secret sadness - and couldn't help himself weeping backstage.
The Swinden supermarket worker told The X Factor audience: 'Last weekend there was a personal story about my father and his past - I wasn't going to tell anyone. I guess it's a good thing that it's come out because people can see that's the way I am and that's the reason I laugh after everything I say because if I don't laugh then I'll break down.'
Jaheme feared for his life as a boy and music helped him through times of horror.
'When I was locked into the house - I used to listen to Whitney Houston and sing along - that was my sanctuary,' he explained.
'All my life all I have wanted to do is make my mum happy - because she has been through more than any woman should bear.'
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