Louis Tomlinson has described his X Factor performance days after his mother's death as "harder than I ever imagined". The One Direction star sang his new single, Just Hold On, on Saturday night's show, following the passing of his mother, Johannah Deakin, at age 43 after a battle with leukaemia.
In a statement, Tomlinson said: "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." He added: "Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so proud. love you!"
Tomlinson also thanked his collaborator, US DJ Steve Aoki, calling him "such a rock and inspiration throughout this". After the performance, Simon Cowell, who manages One Direction, praised Tomlinson's bravery, saying: "Your mum was so proud of you, she was so looking forward to tonight and she's looking down on you now."
The hashtag #LouisIs trended on Twitter following the emotional performance, with fans expressing admiration for his strength.
