X Factor star, 19, killed in car crash just hours after performing at country music festival

Tributes are pouring in for a former X Factor star who has been killed in a car crash just hours after performing at a country music festival.
Nathaniel O'Brien, 19, who starred on the Australian version of the talent show last year, died after his car hit a tree around 11am on Sunday, according to South Australia Police.
The singer was driving on Barrier Highway, two hours north of Adelaide, and tragically died on the scene.
According to local reports, Nathaniel had performed at Burra Country Music Festival just hours before, and was due to perform again that evening in an Adelaide hotel.

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South Australia Police have confirmed the teen was the only person in the car at the time.
According to reports, the festival was cancelled after organisers - including Nathaniel's family - were informed of his death.

The scene of the tragic crash

Tributes have continued to pour in for the young star on social media, as family and friends react to the shock news.
Australian country entertainer Gina Timms spoke to The Advertiser to pay a touching tribute.
“His family were totally shocked and devastated when the news was delivered to them on Sunday,” she said.

Nathaniel O'Brien/Facebook

Nathaniel was a famous singer in Australia

Nathaniel O'Brien/Facebook

Tributes have poured in for the young star

“My heart just goes out to them. It was the saddest thing to watch, to see a police officer come and tell his parents they had lost their boy in a car accident.
“Nathaniel was a very talented young man who had a lot of respect, particularly in the country music industry and last year being on X Factor certainly boosted his profile for people who didn’t know him to fall in love with his heavenly voice.”

Nathaniel O'Brien/Facebook

Nathaniel passed away on Sunday

Meanwhile country music radio host Wally Sparrow added: "It's just so sad, I can't believe it. He had the whole world ahead of him."
The host added: "He had an amazing voice. He was an amazing talent and he won almost everything he went in."
Nathaniel shot to fame on the show, and made it to boot camp in 2014's talent show which aired on Channel Seven - winning a session with host and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
He also previously won Adelaide's Next Superstar in 2012.