X Factor contestant dies in car crash

Nathaniel O'Brien with Australian pop star Jessica Mauboy. Photo / Facebook

A former contestant on Australian talent show The X Factor has died after his car crashed into a tree.

Nathaniel O'Brien had just finished performing at a country music festival in Hanson, South Australia, when the accident occurred.

O'Brien, 19, was the only person in the car at the time of the crash, police told the SMH.

The Burra resident was one of the top 24 contestants when he entered last year's season of The X Factor in Australia.

He performed Rick Price's Heaven Knows for his audition.

One of the show's judges, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, posted a heartfelt tribute to O'Brien on Twitter.

My heart goes out to Nathaniel O'briens family after hearing of his tragic passing. What a spectacular young man with the voice of an angel

— Nat Bassingthwaighte (@nataliebassing) November 8, 2015

Fans and loved ones have begun flooding his social media pages with condolences, remembering the former X Factor star as "a beautiful soul" who would now be "singing with the angels".

Long-time country music radio host Wally Sparrow told The Advertiser O'Brien he was devastated over the death of the 'amazing talent'.

"It's just so sad, I can't believe it. He had the whole world ahead of him," Sparrow said.

"He had an amazing voice. He was an amazing talent and he won almost everything he went in."

One fan who saw him perform on Sunday morning wrote of their grief: 'Why Nathaniel?? Your beautiful voice really stirred me with those gospel songs this morning. So hard knowing we will never again see you perform."

"Rest In Peace Nathaniel. What an amazing voice and God given talent you had. We were privileged to meet you and hear you sing in Tamworth in 2014. A genuine and kind young man with amazing talent gone too soon," another wrote.

Others also shared messages of grief and support on Twitter.

Shattered to hear of the death of @NathanielOBrie1 Nathaniel O'Brien, my dear young and talented friend. Only 19.

— allrounderkj (@allrounderkj) November 8, 2015

The last day I saw this Beautiful Soul @ Red Faces 2015 . Nathaniel O'Brien Thank you for the wonderful memories xoxo — feeling heartbroken

— Grace Bawden (@GraceBawden) November 8, 2015

I am so shocked to hear the upsetting news. May you rest in peace Nathaniel O'Brien, my thoughts & prayers are with ur family and friends xx

— Leanne Jolly (@Skyblue_77) November 8, 2015

- nzherald.co.nz