Cowell

The singer knew a thing or two about group chemistry: during his second “X Factor” foray in 2010, judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger decided Payne should join fellow contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson to form One Direction.

He did not win the £250,000 prize but said the experience trumped everything especially for his mum who was able to meet Simon Cowell.

The former New York City subway conductor smiled timidly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he explained to lead judge Simon Cowell that retirement gave him more time to work on his talent.

“Well, Eric, you’ve got two, three minutes, as we always say, to change your life,” Cowell said, signaling Booker’s audition to commence.

Cowell deemed this acid reflux extravaganza to be “small.”