Opera singer Faryl Smith received a standing ovation after performing Ave Maria at her audition in Birmingham, which was aired on television on Saturday night.

Her stunning rendition brought tears to the eyes of judge Amanda Holden, who told her: "That was absolutely breathtaking – it's given me goosebumps."

Fellow judge Piers Morgan was also full of praise, and said: "For a 12-year-old girl to sing in that way is one of the most extraordinary things I have ever seen."

Even the usually scathing Simon Cowell was bowled over by what he heard, and said to Faryl: "Forget the fact that you're 12 – it was extraordinary. It's certainly the best audition I have heard this year. I think you may be special."

Faryl, a pupil at Southfield School for Girls in Kettering, was greeted off-stage by her delighted father after the three judges gave their unanimous decision to send her through to the next round of the competition.

Behind the scenes, Simon told the panel: "She is incredible. A 12-year-old has just saved Birmingham. We may have found a star."

Faryl said: "I am similar to Charlotte Church but I don't think I want to do pop. I wouldn't change from singing classical."

Speaking about her chances of winning, she said: "People have said you are definitely going to win, but I don't think they will have another singer, especially classical, otherwise it wouldn't be a variety show."

Faryl does performances to raise cash for charity.