EXCLUSIVE: How Mel B from the Spice Girls called alleged Australian baby killer 'really sexy' during X Factor Australia appearance
- X Factor star Mitchell Callaway allegedly killed baby girl
- Resurfaced footage shows Mel B calling singer 'sexy'
- Callaway's case is before the courts
The Spice Girls' Mel B called X Factor star Mitchell Callaway 'so sexy' during a gushing TV appearance - years before he was accused of murdering a nine-month-old baby girl.
The TV show contestant, 37, remains behind bars, bail refused, after he was arrested at Bowraville on the NSW north coast at the beginning of June over the little girl's alleged murder about five years ago.
Now, footage has surfaced of Callaway's audition for the third series of the reality TV series back in 2011, where Scary Spice was a judge alongside Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Ronan Keating.
Callaway, then a 25-year-old country music singer, took to the stage to perform a rendition of Keith Urban's hit, Tonight I Want to Cry.
Bashfully keeping his head down, the concreter admitted he was 'nervous' before wowing the crowd and the judging panel with the tune.
Mitchell Callaway is pictured performing on X Factor Australia in 2011
Mel B described Callaway's 'shy' demeanor and song choice as 'sexy'
After he lowered the microphone, Mel B said Callaway's demeanour had captured the attention of every woman in the room.
'Wow. You're shy, which is really sexy. You're singing about crying which is even more sexier - and you can sing!' she said.
'From me and every woman in this room, it's a big yes!'
Meanwhile, Bassingthwaighte described Callaway as a 'raw talent' while Keating said 'the world needs a tattooed country star' and the performer's 'connection to the song' was so something that 'so hard to find'.
The singer was mentored by Bassingthwaighte and went on to place 7th in the competition after he was booted in week six after failing to outperform fellow contestant Johnny Ruffo.
Callaway was arrested earlier this month after a five year investigation into the death of the baby girl.
Callaway, 37, is pictured being arrested at a home in Bowraville, in NSW's central-west, at about 9:45am on June 8
Police will alleged Callaway murdered the little girl (pictured) in 2018
On July 23, 2018, emergency services were called to a home in Binnaway following reports the infant was unresponsive.
The little girl was rushed to Coonabarabran Hospital where she died a short time later despite the efforts of staff and paramedics.
After receiving new information, officers investigating the baby's death executed a search warrant at a home in Binnaway, in the state's central-west, on May 31.
Following further inquiries, detectives working under Strike Force King arrested and charged Callaway.
He was refused bail at Coffs Harbour Local Court earlier this month and the case remains before the courts.
Mel B was brought in to judge X Factor Australia in 2011, replacing Kyle Sandilands. She is pictured at the Men Pride of Manchester Awards in May 2022
In footage taken as part of his audition, Callaway described himself as a 'country boy' who grew up on a farm riding bikes.
He revealed a near-death experience was the motivation behind his decision to pursue a career in singing.
'July last year (2010), I was playing football. In a tackle, I snapped my place in three places and nearly died and had to wake up to myself a whole lot,' he said.
'When I was laying there in the bed, [and] couldn't move, I started thinking about what I wanted to do with my life and I like to sing and I haven't really given it a go or tried real hard.
'So here I am.'
Callaway is due to appear before Dubbo Local Court on August 17.
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