Who’s got the tuneful chops to get the biggest compliment notoriously cruel Simon Cowell has ever uttered? It certainly didn’t happen on American Idol, where the judge is often put-out and aggravated during audition rounds. On a recent episode of the UK version of the show, The X-Factor, Cowell offered the most praise he’s ever given on TV.

“That was single-handedly the best first audition I have ever heard,” the judge told Danyl Johnson, 27. The singer stepped out on the stage to give a rollicking rendition of “With a Little Help from My Friends,” impressing panel and audience members alike.

It was so good, in fact, that Cowell was actually moved into giving a standing ovation. “He could be one of the best contestants we’ve ever had,” Cowell said of Johnson.

You can currently watch the video of Johnson’s audition on YouTube.