Even Louis Tomlinson And Steve Aoki’s ‘Just Hold On’ Tribute Can’t Halt ‘X-Factor’s’ Slide

Last week summed up life for many fans of Louis Tomlinson and One Direction. If you are a fan of Tomlinson, you are probably hardened to a seemingly endless cycle of high highs and desperate lows. In what was an incredibly poignant moment for Tomlinson, he summed up his life as a member of One Direction. Louis went back to his X-Factor roots on Saturday as he teamed up with Steve Aoki to perform his new single “Just Hold On.” At the end of his performance Louis kissed his finger tips and reached to the sky in tribute to his mother, Johannah Deakin.

No One Direction fan will need to be reminded that Louis Tomlinson’s mom passed away last week after losing her battle against a virulent strain of leukemia. Louis’ mom was just 43-years-old. Over the years, Louis’ fans have come to love his mom. Johannah was always an inspiration to Tomlinson’s fans. Johannah’s support for Louis and his One Direction bandmates has been unfailing, but as reported in Inquisitr last week, it was her incredible charitable efforts that endeared her to the fans.

The Mirror reported that, after Louis and Steve Aoki had performed “Just Hold On,” Simon Cowell moved Tomlinson to tears as he reiterated just how proud Johannah was of her son.

“Your mom was so proud of you Louis. She was so looking forward to tonight. She is watching down on you tonight and is so proud of what you have done.

“Steve, you have been a great friend to Louis, thank you so much.”

Tomlinson fought back tears as he accepted Simon’s praise. Louis must have been delighted to have had the support of all his One Direction bandmates as he performed what is sure to have been the most difficult song he has ever sung. “Just Hold On” was penned as a tribute to Johannah, and it’s reported that it was Johannah’s dying wish for Louis to perform his debut single on X- Factor. It’s believed this is what motivated Tomlinson to return to the stage so soon. “Just Hold On” contains the lines “it’s not over till the sun has set, it’s not over till your dying breath.” It must have been incredibly difficult for Louis to sing those lines so soon after his mother’s death.

Louis Tomlinson And One Direction Reunited For X-Factor

The Sun reports that Louis’ X-Factor performance marked the first occasion, since One Direction’s hiatus began, that all four current band members had reunited. Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne were all backstage as Louis performed and doubtless had been a huge support to him.

“Just Hold On” marked an unexpected change of direction for Louis. Backed by DJ and producer Steve Aoki, Tomlinson’s new tune is very different from his work with One Direction. It’s EDM groove is also something of a departure for X-Factor, a show that normally concentrates on the pure pop market.

Even in the depths of despair, Tomlinson showed that he truly understands his privileged position as he reached out to thank his fans. Even in his grief, Tomlinson took time to thank the fans for their support.

“That was harder than I ever imagined. I want to thank everyone around me and all of the amazing fans out there that made that so special!

“Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so f***ing proud (sorry for swearing mum) love you.”

Louis had a huge amount of support from the X-Factor audience, and from One Direction fans around the world, but not even Tomlinson’s appearance to unveil his debut solo single could halt the X-Factor ratings slide.

According to the Mirror, Saturday’s X-Factor final drew 500,000 fewer viewers than last year’s 5.9 million. The figures mark a new low point for the show. Cowell will be desperately worried that even Louis Tomlinson couldn’t boost the show’s ratings. Fans of the show will doubtless reflect that Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh returned to the X-Factor in a failed bid to boost the show’s ratings.

[Featured Image by John Davisson/Invision/AP]