If you didn't watch the American X-Factor last week, meet Chris Rene, your TV talent competition viral video of the moment.

Chris, 28, is exploding online thanks to all the requisite ingredients for a TV talent competition viral video.

Sad story? Check! (Chris was a drug addict! Methamphetamine even! He just got out of rehab.). Blue Collar job? Check! (He's a garbage man!). Young child? Check! Skeptical looks passing between the judges before his performance? Check! Passable performance that brings the house to its feet for a MASSIVE STANDING OVATION? CHECK!

Chris wrote his own song, called "Young Homie."

The song has, of course, inspired myriad YouTube covers, like this one here by a woman with an acoustic guitar.

So? You think he's the best thing ever? Is he the next Susan Boyle?

: 4:12 PM