The Grimsby-born teenager wowed the judges with her spectacular rendition of Take That's Rule The World on the first live show of the 2012 series.
Her mentor Tulisa Contostavlos was full of praise for her young protégé and said: 'You show everyone how it is done,' before adding: 'You nailed it'.
He added: 'Stunning...Oh my god 16-years-old, the feel, the way you sing, it is absolutely extraordinary.'
Nicole Scherzinger stood up and asked the crowd to congratulate the teen with a standing ovation and said: 'There are no words you are stunning in every way....you are from another planet.'
The judges are impressed! Tulisa, Gary and Nicole were up on their feet showing just how they impressed they were with Ella
So young but so much talent! Ella's vocals left man fans of the show posting on Twitter that she will win
Fans also took to Twitter to give the songstress their tweets of approval, one person wrote: 'Ella Henderson X Factor 2012 winner? i think soo!'
While another said: 'I think Ella Henderson should win this #xfactor'.
There was certainly no shortage of amazing talent on display with Jahmene Douglas, James Arthur and Melanie Masson getting some rave reviews from the judges.
But not all the acts were popular as Rylan Clark proved to be a contentious contestant causing an argument between Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger his mentor.
The Essex boy's performed an over-the-top rendition of Gold by Spandau Ballet.
Gold, really? Rylan Clark proved to be a controversial contestant with Gary Barlow slamming his singing ability
Christopher Maloney gained the most public votes and broke down in tears on learning that he would get the chance to perform.
The theme for the week was 'Heroes' and Olympic athletes were seated in the crowd to up the ante of the show.
Simply the best? District 3, formerly GMD3, had the task of kicking off the show with the first performance
Look who is back! One Direction made a surprise appearance but didn't perform
The trio performed Tina Turner's classic track Simply The Best but their performance proved somewhat of a luke-warm way to start the show.
Gary alluded to their mediocre performance with his critique telling them: 'You did a pretty good job I don’t know where the talent will spike but I think you will be about middle.'
Following the first act former X Factor contestants One Direction appeared on stage but rather than perform it seems they were present in an advisory capacity only.
Honest critique: Gary told James that he worried some of his edges were becoming smoother and told him not to change
Judges spat: Nicole disagreed with Gary and put her hand over his mouth
Meanwhile Louis Tomlinson revealed who the band were backing in the competition and said: 'We all love James Arthur.'
With that rather bizarre and brief interlude over James took to the stage to perform Kelly Clarkson's Stronger.
While the track started off as a ballad the young singer broke into rap half way through, which prompted Louis to give an embarrassing 'dad nod' in approval.
Hippy trippy: Louis said that Melanie Masson's performance made him feel like he was in Woodstock
Tulisa also gushed about the fan favourite and added: ' I love you as much as I loved you in the first audition.'
Gary worried that that some of his edges were 'becoming smoother', and warned him not to change.
His critique prompted the first of clash of the night with Nicole stepping in to defend James saying 'he's absolutely brilliant'.
Melanie Masson was up next performing The Beatles track A Little Help From My Friends giving it her all and belting out the track with plenty of gusto.
Louis described the performance as like 'being at Woodstock' while Tulisa told her she was the 'diva of the competition'.
Big transformation: Jade Ellis looked like a complete superstar in a strapless leather and chiffon gown
Original act: Lucy Spraggan was the only act to sing a song she had written herself
Big hit: Gary told Lucy that she should never stop songwriting
Gary told her she was a 'brilliant songwriter' while Nicole said: 'You are just brilliant in your own spunky, honest and witty way'
MK1 performed a rather forgettable rendition of Chipmunk's Champion which proved to be a little off key but Nicole told them they were the most 'relevant' act in the competition.
Not so champion: MK1's performance of Chipmunk's song was forgettable
No nerves now: Christopher Maloney managed to calm himself and perform a Mariah Carey track
Wildcard success Christopher managed to control his nerves, in fact there wasn't a shake in sight as he belted out Mariah Carey's Hero.
Interesting interpretation: Carolynne Poole sang Nicki Minaj's track 'Starships' as a country song
Are you having a good time? Union J performed a vibrant rendition of Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
Tulisa told her she looked like a 'pop star' as Nicole gushed she was 'one hot mom.'
Kye Sones was up next with Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror which although good paled into comparison with Ella's performance immediately after.
Viewers were treated to a country version of Nicki Minaj's track Starships by Carolynne Poole who said she wanted to make the track her own.
Taking on the King of Pop: Kye Sones was up next with Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror
Ending the show on a high: Jahmene Douglas performed John Lennon's Imagine which proved popular with judges and fans alike
Tulisa told him she was 'absolutely speechless' while Gary noted he was a 'supreme singer' but advised him against 'over singing'.
Nicole once again disagreed with Gary and gushed: 'You found your balls I’m so proud of you that you have overcome your nerve.'
