Singer James Johnston has chosen to become a contestant on X Factor Australia 2014.

The 23-year-old from Wingham sang a version of Katy Perry's Roar for his first performance screened on July 14 - his rendition garnering a rupture of applause from the audience. 

The judges appeared to be impressed with James's performance with Ronan Keating comparing him to Taylor Henderson.

James said it was seeing Taylor on the show that inspired him to take part.

Taylor came second in the fifth series of X Factor Australia and was subsequently signed by Sony Music Australia.

James has now made it through to the boot camp stage of the competition.