28 year-old Chris Rene, who hauls trash for a living, blew the judges away with an intense performance of one of his original hip-hop songs called “Young Homey” during the first auditions at the “The X-Factor” premiere on Wednesday (September 21)- watch video below.

Chris is a daddy to a 2 year-old son who just recently got out of rehab. He has been sober for 70 days, and dreams of being able to provide for his son and family doing what he loves – performing on stage for an audience!

“There is always a chance and there is always a choice. Instead of doing nothing with myself I want my son to see me singing on stage because life is too precious to waste,” Chris said.

The judges absolutely loved it. I LOVED it. That was quite good for a guy who hauls trash! Chris is talented! Maybe it’s too soon, but they could not let this type of talent go to waste.

Simon Cowell proclaimed he just met a star, while Paula Abdul had no words to describe Chris, calling him a bright light. LA Reid said names like Jay-Z and Kanye West would be so proud of him to tell Chris he is “the truth”. Wow. Chris promises that he will stay on the right track.

Chris Rene “Young Homey” The X Factor Video