Gloria Estefan made a surprise appearance at auditions for ‘The X Factor’ yesterday in Miami.

The musical legend, who is a Miami resident, offered the 7,500 hopefuls some words of encouragement.

"Be yourself, the only thing you can offer is originality to the world. There's a lot of great singers and dancers but you have to do what makes you unique. Good luck and make Miami proud!" she told them.

Later Simon Cowell admitted he had no idea that ‘Rhythm Is Gonna Get You’ singer was going to pop into the Bank United Center.

"I had no idea she was going to be there but apparently she did a fantastic job. She gave everyone a lot of support and encouragement. Not a lot of people would bother to do that," he revealed.

‘The X Factor’ will air this autumn on FOX in the US.

Watch Gloria Estefan perform a medley of her hits on ‘The X Factor’ in 2006 here: