Heartbreaking footage of Johnny Ruffo on The X Factor resurfaces after the singer's death at age 35: 'Australia is falling in love with you'
- READ MORE: Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo dies aged 35
Johnny Ruffo lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 35 on Friday.
And a touching moment showing the former Home and Away star during his days as an X Factor finalist has resurfaced in the wake of the tragedy.
In the clip, from 2011, Johnny wins over judge Mel B, who had previously voted against him, following his performance of Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae.
'You bring so much joy and character to the competition. You've got something none of the other people have got,' she gushed.
'You've just got that Johnny swag. I said it last week. Australia is falling in love with you,' the Spice Girls star continued.
![Johnny Ruffo (pictured) lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 35 on Friday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/10/13/77650125-12734475-image-a-87_1699621845441.jpg)
Johnny Ruffo (pictured) lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 35 on Friday
'Every girl is obviously falling in love with you. And I wouldn't be surprised if you win this thing. You've got that special something brother'.
The crowd went wild as the shirtless singer, who had a towel draped over his shoulders, plugged his ears to drown out the screams.
Judge Ronan Keating quipped, 'I hope you go all the way mate. It's Johnny's world, we just live in it'.
Ruffo ended up a runner-up in the competition, placing second to eventual winner Reece Mastin.
![A touching moment showing the former Home and Away star during his days as an X Factor finalist (pictured) has resurfaced in the wake of the tragedy](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/10/13/77650113-12734475-image-a-88_1699621851961.jpg)
A touching moment showing the former Home and Away star during his days as an X Factor finalist (pictured) has resurfaced in the wake of the tragedy
![In the clip, from 2011, Johnny wins over judge Mel B, who had previously voted against him, following his performance of Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/10/13/77650107-12734475-image-a-89_1699621855909.jpg)
In the clip, from 2011, Johnny wins over judge Mel B, who had previously voted against him, following his performance of Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
!['You've just got that Johnny swag. I said it last week. Australia is falling in love with you,' Mel B told him](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/10/13/77650119-12734475-image-a-90_1699621858392.jpg)
'You've just got that Johnny swag. I said it last week. Australia is falling in love with you,' Mel B told him
The heartbreaking news of Ruffo's death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday.
'It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,' a statement read.
'Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses & Doctors.
'He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.
'We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives. Rest easy.'
![The heartbreaking news of Ruffo's death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/10/13/77650329-12734475-image-a-92_1699622025435.jpg)
The heartbreaking news of Ruffo's death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday
He was first diagnosed in 2017, and underwent life-saving surgery to successfully remove a seven centimetre tumour at the time.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo's showbusiness career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
A music career followed, with Ruffo releasing several hit singles including On Top and Take It Home.
But he is perhaps best known for starring as fan favourite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.
He also appeared on that show's soap rival Neighbours in 2020.