Ronan Keating, the former Irish boyband member sits as judge in the Australian version of the television show together with fellow judges, Mel B, Guy Sebastian, and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

Keating made controversy when he told Reece Mastin, a contestant of the show, that he was a star already and it was enough reason if the young contestant decides to abandon his studies for a future career in show business.

The 16-year-old performed his version of Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" wherein after his performance Keating asked him: "Are you planning on going back to school if things don't work out on X Factor?"

"I don't want to," Mastin replied and to which the judge made his controversial remark.

"Mate, you don't need to. This is your home. You belong on the stage. I was 16 when I started in this business," Keating said creating several reactions from audiences and viewers.

Watch the video of Reece Mastin performing "Ironic" popularized by Alanis Morissette.