One Direction fans outraged as Aussie copycat group tries out for X Factor

One Direction fans are divided over X Factor contestants What About Tonight — self-professed copycats of the UK boy band.

The group of five teen boys made their debut performance during the first round of auditions last night making no secret of the fact they are trying to be Australia’s version of 1D, who started out on the UK version of the talent show.

Brock, Tyrone, Christian, Mitchel and Luke revealed they "checked each other out" on YouTube before deciding to join forces, inspired by the way that One Direction "exploded."

1D fans tweeted mixed feelings toward the teens, with some getting typically hysterical.

"Oh my god, I actually wanna kill X Factor, they are trying to compare What About Tonight to the boys. No, just no," wrote one ardent 1D fan.

"What About Tonight, you are all really good and you have talent. But you are NOT and will NOT be the next One Direction. Impossible," tweeted a slightly calmer X Factor viewer.

Despite deliberately positioning themselves as the Aussie answer to 1D, 'WAT' were quick to put the big kerfuffle to rest.

"Just clearing it up!! We are not replacing @OneDirection at all. We love these boys so much!! Love but however we are #WhatAboutTonight," tweeted Brock.

Australia's answer to One Direction? What About Tonight made a splash on The X-Factor. Image: Facebook/The X Factor Australia

The comparisons are sure to come to a head when the original 1D make their highly anticipated guest appearance as mentors on the show in September.

But enough about WAT and on to the rest of last night's auditionees.

First up was high school dropout Bella, who gave the "best first audition" judge Ronan Keating has ever seen. Watch out for this Doc Martin-wearing redhead, because according to judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte, her voice "has the power to do what Adele has done".

The next carefully chosen character — whoops, we mean totally random auditionee — was lovable 18-year-old truck driver Jason Owen, who sung John Denver's 'Annie’s Song' all about wanting to be loved and love in return. Nawww, this guy fits the modest/unassuming bill so well.

Then we had an exhibitionist named Adil, whose six-pack we remember better than his voice. This guy can’t possibly win because Network Seven would cop too much flack for choosing a ridiculously perfect-looking victor.

Adil flaunts his sick-pack on national TV. Image: Facebook/The X Factor Australia

Fourteen-year-old contestant Shiane Hawk was seriously impressive singing ‘Mercy’ by Duffy. We’re enamoured with her voice but a little worried that her dream is to "sing at the EMMYs". Errr, do you mean Grammys?

Shiane Hawke, 14, has a win-worthy voice. Image: Facebook/The X Factor Australia

Then we had Nathaniel, who looks like Justin Timberlake and just managed to squeeze his way through the first round.

The X-Factor's Nathaniel aka Justin Timberlake. Image: Facebook/The X Factor Australia

Samantha Jade is a gorgeous brunette who is pretty much Guy Sebastian’s best friend and has already been through the torment of a failed pop career in the US.

She was followed by the obligatory display of total trainwrecks, most of whom sang songs by the late Whitney Houston and one of whom inspired the best quote of the evening: Guy’s “you hurt my brain!”

Last we’ve got Mr “second time lucky” Josh Brooks, who got kicked out in 2011 in favour of Johnny Ruffo. He made Nat Bass cry this time, so he’ll probably be around for a while.

Will the high school teacher have “the biggest voice we’ve ever heard”?

Can the shy, 14-year-old country girl tackle “one of the biggest songs ever”?

And why is the cowboy crying?

X-Factor 2012. Not off to a bad start.