X Factor winner Matt Terry has praised Louis Tomlinson following his brave performance on Saturday night, just three days after the death of his mother, Johannah Poulston. Many had expected Louis to cancel his appearance on the show, but he took to the stage in hour of his mum, with the whole of Wembley Arena cheering him on, as well as 1D stars Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Niall Horan, who turned up backstage.
Louis Tomlinson pictured with his mum Johannah Poulston
Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Monday, hours after he won the singing competition, Matt told Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan he was in awe of Louis' strength. "To see him up there, all of us contestants, in fact, the entire arena, just appreciated his bravery," he said. "I don't know if I could have done that.
"To stand up on the stage and sing a song he wrote dedicated to his mum – he is absolutely a complete trooper."
X Factor winner Matt Terry praised the One Direction star for his bravery
It is thought that Johannah's last wish was for Louis to perform his debut single, Just Hold On, on the show, which served as huge motivation for the 24-year-old. The song was reportedly written about Johannah, and lyrics include the line: "It's not over till the sun has set / It's not over 'til your dying breath."
Following Louis' performance, Simon Cowell told the star: "Louis, what you've just done and the bravery that took – I just respect you so much as an artist and as a person. Your mum was so looking forward to tonight and I know she is watching down on you now. She was so proud of you."