Last resort! Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa to duet with their acts during X Factor final after failing to secure big names

-Coldplay turned down option to duet with one of the final acts
-Tulisa has said she will 'become a member of Little Mix' as she takes to the X Factor stage for the first time
-Odds on Marcus Collins slashed following news of duet with superstar mentor Gary
-Text voting has been suspended due to the shorter cut-off period for votes


By Holly Thomas and Andrea Magrath


The pressure is on: Tulisa and her fellow judges will perform alongside their acts in this weekend's live X Factor final


In an unexpected twist, it has been reported that the JUDGES will duet with their own acts on Saturday night's show.

The news comes after the beleaguered show's production team failed to secure the big-name artists previously featured in the highly-anticipated finals.

So now it has been left to judges Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos, who will all take the stage this weekend at Wembley Arena to perform with the finalists.


A show source said: 'Once Louis Walsh's acts were eliminated it became clear the three judges with acts left were all current singers.'

'It's going to be more pressured than ever. The acts will be singing in front of 10,000 people - and with their mentors,' a source told the Sun.

'The judges will be nervous as well because the song could be the difference between winning and losing.

Breaking new ground: Kelly Rowland and Amelia Lily will perform the rousing number River Deep, while Marcus Collins and Gary Barlow sing More Than A Woman


'And on top of that, Simon Cowell will be watching from LA. So the judges are almost auditioning for their places on next year's show as well,' the source added.

According to the Sun, Coldplay agreed to perform on the final, but declined a duet with one of the acts.

And due to continued problems with her throat singer Adele who is at present recovering from surgery has now been forced to pull out of the show.

Kelly and Amelia will perform the rousing number River Deep, Mountain High, while N-Dubz star Tulisa will duet on a mash-up of Alicia Keys' If I Ain't Got You and Empire State Of Mind with Little Mix.

The pressure is on: Because Simon Cowell will be watching from LA, the final may prove something of an audition for the judges for next year's show

At an X Factor press conference today, Gary and Marcus confirmed that they will be performing the Billy Joel classic, More Than A Woman.

Louis Walsh will sit it out, amidst rumours that the X Factor bosses cooked up the plan only after the music manager's last act was voted out.

But judge Gary also suggested a song for fellow judge Louis, saying he could sing I Will Survive.

Tulisa has promised to become a 'member of Little Mix' on the night.

'A group has never won this competition, especially not a girl group even getting this far in the competition,' she said.

'I'm the youngest judge, it's my first year and I want to change X Factor history with these little muffins behind me.'

Gary Barlow meanwhile has promised an 'emotional evening' when he joins Marcus Collins to perform the Billy Joel song Always a Woman.

The Take That star declared that the final acts were the ones who 'had grown the most' throughout the competition.

'I think they have all moved on incredibly well through the competition and that's why they are here now,' he said.

Dermot O'Leary, the host of the hit ITV1 show, said it was impossible to pick a winner.

'It's my first year when we're going into the final and we don't really know who the favourite is,' the host admitted.

News of the duets has improved the chances of one act at least, with odds on Marcus Collins to win trimmed from 11/4 to 5/2.

Hills odds suggest this is the closest final in the history of the programme.
Little Mix remain favourites with a slender lead at 6/5, while odds on Amelia Lily are 9/4.

'No disrespect to the other judges but Gary Barlow is the superstar and Marcus is back in the game big time,' said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Hills expect to take over 100 bets a minute for the last hour of the Finals show on Sunday, and turnover a seven figure sum on X factor 2011.

Meanwhile research announced today by blinkx, the world’s largest and most advanced video search engine, shows that Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily are trailing behind Little Mix in the run-up to the final this Saturday night, with 27 per cent and 28 per cent respectively to the girl group's 45 per cent.

Old hand: Gary is a regular on the X Factor stage having performed there many times


The research also revealed that that axed diva Misha B has risen in popularity, since her shock exit last Sunday exit, becoming the second most-searched contestant after Little Mix.

Kitty Brucknell and Frankie Cocozza on the other hand have faded into obscurity, accounting for less than 1 per cent of video searches on the top X Factor contestants.

Louis Walsh has backed Amelia to win, saying this week: 'There's something about Amelia, she's a ready-made pop star. I love the fact she can sing anything. This girl is a star.'

The judge admitted he has mixed feelings coming into the final however, confessing that he wants to see his close friend Tulisa triumph.

Show them how it's done: Kelly stormed the stage last week to perform her new single


Having been a favourite to win until days ago, it appears comeback girl Amelia has run into a fresh spot of bad luck.

he 17-year-old is reportedly suffering from laryngitis and exhaustion- which certainly won't help her voice to stand up against vocal powerhouse Kelly during their duet.

The duets in the final will be the first time that Tulisa has taken to the X Factor stage, while Kelly performed on last weekend's results show.

Gary is an old hand, having performed on the show during last year's final and alongside 2006 winner Leona Lewis.

A spokesperson for the X Factor was unavailable for comment when contacted by Mail Online.


Old hand: Gary performed on the X Factor final last year with Take That


X Factor favourites: Take That also performed with 2006 winner Leona Lewis






source:dailymail

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X Factor 2011: Tulisa and Kelly insist 'we're good'... but its Louis and Gary who are at war this week

By Emily Sheridan



Not another argument: Tulisa Contostavlos stays out of it as Louis Walsh starts arguing with Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow over Frankie Cocozza


In the past couple of weeks, all the attention has been on Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland's feud following the 'bullying' row of Misha B.

But this week, it was Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow at war as they clashed over Frankie Cocozza.

Rowland sided with Barlow after the Irish pop manager told Cocozza his performance was 'really bad karaoke'.

'Back in your cage Louis': Barlow was in no mood for Walsh's cutting comments to his act


The two judges ended up telling each other to 'shut up' as they rowed across the panel.

As part of Club Classics Week, Cocozza sang The Black Eyed Peas' I Gotta Feeling, which didn't exactly receive a rapturous response from the judges.

More...'You were the performance of the season': Marcus Collins wins over the judges while bookies' favourite Janet Devlin falls flat

However, Walsh was incredibly cutting with his comments, to the chagrin of Barlow.

He said: 'Frankie we are half way through the competition and it’s all getting serious…that was really bad karaoke and I don’t know how you’re still here.

You're mean: Kelly Rowland hits out at Walsh for being rude to Cocozza


'You’re not a rock star, you’ll never be a rock star and the only big thing about you is your hair.'

N-Dubz singer Tulisa, who has been ill this week, wasn't so harsh: 'Frankie, I was actually just starting to get comfortable with the edgy rebellious Frankie but song choice wise, it was a bit soft for you. It didn’t work for me tonight, it wasn’t edgy enough for you.'

When it came to Rowland, she turned to Walsh and lambasted him for being so rude to Cocozza.

She said: 'First of all, Louis I think that you are out of line telling someone what they will never be...

Embarrassed: Cocozza seems to lose his confidence after the cutting comments from Walsh


Walsh snapped back: 'At least I'm here every week...

Rowland said: 'OK... cute,' before giving her constructive criticism to the 18-year-old.

But then she added: ''For someone to say that you’ll never be anything is really mean….I’m sorry!'

Walsh fired back: 'At least I'm honest. I'm not playing to the camera like you.'

Trying to bring things back to Cocozza's performance, Barlow said: 'Back in your cage Louis, back in your cage.

Accepting the comments: Cocozza said the judges 'knew what they're talking about'


'I completely got the wrong song for you, I apologise for that right away. You came out and you did bring it tonight and I know you’re under great pressure and I do feel sorry for you. To be booed on this stage is disgusting, that shouldn’t be allowed. You did your best tonight.'

Walsh interjected: 'Oh shut up Gary! Just shut up, how can you justify that?
'All you have to do is sing in tune...'

After Barlow told him to 'shut up': Walsh responded: 'I won't shut up. How would you know.'

Uncomfortable: Kitty Brucknell was shocked when Barlow told her she couldn't dance


Walsh also clashed with both judges earlier when they criticised his act Kitty Brucknell.

Rowland told Brucknell her performance of Madonna's Like A Prayer was 'a little flat', while Barlow declared: 'I’ve never really seen you move around before but you can’t dance babe! I know that sounds rich coming from me, but it looked a bit clumsy.'

On ITV2 spin-off show Xtra Factor, Walsh admitted Brucknell was in 'floods of tears backstage' over their comments.


Clear divide: Is Tulisa on Team Louis?


He said: 'Kitty is in a really bad way backstage. She’s crying, she’s hysterical and it’s not fair. She’s in a really bad way because of the comments.'

Meanwhile, Tulisa appeared to stay out of all the arguments - starting off the show by declaring everyone was getting on fine.

She said: 'Everyone is happy. We're good. It's all about the contestants.'

And to make her point, she and Rowland high-fived each other.


source:dailymail

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'Tulisa and I have no relationship. The show has become a living hell' says Kelly Rowland... as Simon Cowell gives her 48 hours to return to the UK

By Holly Thomas


-Kelly flew to the US following bust up with Tulisa
-The singer then claimed that she was 'too ill' to fly back and appear on The X Factor this weekend
-Kelly was replaced by former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke on last night's live show
-Simon Cowell has given Kelly 48 hours to return to the UK
-Meanwhile ratings continue to plummet as Strictly Come Dancing drew more viewers than the X Factor for the first time since 2007

Excited: Alexandra Burke makes her grand entrance on the X Factor tonight and said she couldn't wait for the evening to begin


Kelly Rowland has 48 hours to return to the UK as Simon has given her an ultimatum as to whether she wants to keep her place on the judging panel.

The singer has insisted that wants to retain her position on the show, but needs to consult her doctor to see if she is well enough to fly, as she has been grounded in the US due to a severe throat infection.

Kelly has said that rows with fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos are making her life 'a living hell.'


Meanwhile the ratings freefall continued as the X Factor pulled 9.9 million viewers to Strictly Come Dancing's 10.2.

Alexandra Burke stepped in last night to cover for Kelly following a 24 hour crisis as to who would take her place for the live show.

A show insider told The People last night: 'Kelly has been told it’s time to make her mind up. Everyone is supportive of the fact she is ill but other bosses are annoyed at the situation.'

'She doesn’t want to quit. She is adamant that she isn’t worried about the row she had with Tulisa and wants to return but she has to give the ­producers her word – and fast.'

Ultimatum: Simon Cowell has given Kelly 48 hours to return to the UK if she wants to keep her place om the X Factor judging panel


If Kelly does return her presence will make for a tense situation on set however, as the Destiny's Child star has confided in friends that she feels she will have to change her place on the judging panel to avoid sitting next to Tulisa.

'Tulisa and I have no relationship. The show has become a living hell. I don’t know how long I can tolerate this for,' Kelly admitted, according to a friend speaking to The Mirror.

'None of ­Tulisa’s acts go anywhere near Kelly on set,' the friend continued.

Gone for good? Kelly Rowland touched down in LA on Monday for what she claimed was a long-planned business trip, but has been unable to return due to a throat infection

'Kelly was told to ‘stay out of it’ by Tulisa when she ­offered advice on her acts two weeks ago and it’s been frosty between them ever since. Kelly’s just not used to this infighting and bitching.'

'She’s feeling ­extremely ­uncomfortable with ­Tulisa and doesn’t feel like she can ­approach her to make amends – it’s like ­Dannii Minogue and Sharon ­Osbourne all over again,' added the friend.

Kelly has reportedly even had talks with Simon Cowell over how the Tulisa situation can possibly be resolved.

'Simon has been calling Kelly and trying to calm her down but she hates the way Tulisa is ­portraying her in the press and the way she’s creating an awful atmosphere backstage,' The Mirror's source said.

'The past two weeks have been hellish. Simon has had to work hard to stop her jacking it all in.'

'But Kelly is no pushover, and can easily look after herself.'

When it became clear that Kelly was not going to return for last night's show X Factor bosses went into crisis mode to find a replacement within 24 hours.

Speculation was rife that X Factor US judge Nicole Scherzinger, 33, would be drafted in.
According to The People however Simon Cowell refused to deploy Nicole for the task, fearing it would 'downgrade' her star status having been such a hit on the US version of the show.

Former judge Cheryl Cole was reportedly floated as an option briedly, but negotiations broke down early in proceedings.

Alexandra Burke instead returned to the X Factor as a judge - and she certainly made sure her opinion was heard.

Sitting amongst Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos, the singer was there to fill the shoes of an unwell Kelly Rowland.

'I’m really looking forward to it,' she said as she arrived on the show and took her seat.

'I'm here to back the girls, here for Kelly’s girls and ain't taking any nonsense from this one over here,' she added, pointing to the Irishman

Divide: Even Gary Barlow has admitted that it has become a case on he and Kelly versus Louis and Tulisa on the judging panel


No doubt Kelly would have been proud of the young star fighting her corner, but would also be glad to know that her fellow judges were thinking of her.

'She's going to be gutted about the show, said Gary. 'Plus she missed your dance routine Dermot.'

Her female rival, Tulisa, also referenced the U.S. singer by saying: 'We all want to send our love to Kelly, we hope she gets well and is back for next week live and kicking.'

Flustered at being asked to deliver the message however, she stumbled over her words and apologised 'Sorry Dermot, I got lost there for a second.'

Alexandra was chosen to step in within the last 24 hours after Kelly flew to Los Angeles following a bust up with Tulisa Contostavlos.

Temporary replacement: Alexandra joined the three judges on last night's show and certainly made sure her opinion was heard


ITV told the Daily Mail: 'It is true that Alexandra is replacing Kelly tonight, but we have no further information at present.

A statement read: 'Kelly is devastated she won't be here for this weekend's show.
She is extremely ill with a viral throat infection and her doctors aren't permitting her to fly.

'Kelly will be returning to the show as soon as she has recovered. The girls have been in touch to wish her a speedy recovery and they can't wait for her to get back. More news as we have it.'

Making her feelings known: Alexandra wasn't afraid to take on Louis Walsh


Kelly also told The Sun that she is suffering from an 'extremely rare' illness, and has been in tears about her situation all week.

She explained to the paper: 'I'm so sick - I have no idea what is wrong with me, but I have the worst sore throat.

'I've been in tears all week. It got so bad that I stopped eating and drinking and got so dehydrated the doctor put me on a drip.

'Even now I can't swallow anything - not even my own saliva. The doctors don't even really know what's wrong, either. They say whatever I have is extremely rare.'

'No nonsense': The Bad Boys singer had a friendly dig at Louis Walsh and offended him during her comments on Kitty Brucknell


A spokesman for Miss Rowland said: 'She’s really sick. Her doctor is not permitting her to fly. She won’t be here for tonight’s show. She has a viral throat infection. She is really, really sick.

'She has not gone AWOL. She will be back. She’s been in contact with the girls.

She’s been on intravenous drips. Her doctor will not permit her to fly. She tried to get on a flight today but her doctor wasn’t letting her.'

An X Factor insider has said: 'Kelly is turning into a real diva, she’s been on the phone to all the producers all week moaning about Tulisa’s antics.'

The N-Dubz singer, 23, had accused one of Miss Rowland’s hopefuls, Misha Bryan, of being mean to her own wannabes.

Tension: Kelly Rowland had a falling out with fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos on last week's show before jetting off to Los Angeles


Fellow judge Louis Walsh then waded into the row by calling Misha, 19, a 'bully' - and was then forced to apologise to the viewers.

Miss Bryan, 19, from Manchester, had received positive comments from the judges for her performance of Prince's 'Purple Rain' on Saturday’s rock-themed show, but Walsh sparked a war of words when said he feared she was too ‘over-confident’.

He told her: 'You’re very confident, you’re a very confident performer. I hope you’re not too over-confident.'

Miss Contostavlos, who is mentoring the groups, then inflamed the situation, saying: 'There is no doubt about it, when it comes to talent you are way up there.

Cross words: Miss Rowland is still not speaking to her fellow judge Miss Contostavlos after the pair fell out live on air last weekend


'Most people they come into the competition and they need to be built up and progress, but you came as a whole package and you are definitely the star of the show.

'But I do have one negative this week. I think you are very competitive and I’ve seen a different side of you backstage and you don’t realise that you do it, but in some ways you being so feisty can come across as quite mean to certain contestants and I’ve been told by a few this week there’s been a few mean comments towards them.

'I’m not putting you down but take that feistiness and energy when you get on the stage and leave them all behind. Put aside the attitude.'

That's my girl: Kelly defended Misha B via her Twitter page after the row


Miss Rowland insisted: 'We leave things backstage, backstage, but you brought it on stage and you brought it clean and clear and on fire tonight. I am so very proud of you, continue to work hard and you’re supposed to be confident when you go on stage.'

She then turned to Walsh and said: 'I think some of your categories should get some more confidence.'

Walsh, who is looking after the Over 25s category, then interjected: 'One of my contestants has complained about Misha bullying her backstage.'

Afterwards, Miss Contostavlos remained defiant, saying: 'I feel like if you are going to portray a certain person on stage, it should be the same person that’s backstage.

Absent: Former Destiny's Child star Kelly has been away all week, missing mentoring sessions with members of her group


'I feel like when it comes to energy, it’s a different character but when it comes to who you are, if she’s being someone else backstage and said a bitchy comment to one of my acts then I’m going to express it.'

But Miss Rowland hit back: 'I think that deserves to stay backstage, I think there is a time and a place for everything and we were here tonight to judge them for what they did onstage and not for what is going on backstage.'

Miss Rowland added to The Sun that while she hasn't yet forgiven Tulisa for her comments, they are not what's keeping her away from the show.

She said: 'I still disagree with Tulisa, but in the heat of the moment the passion gets to us and we are all extremely passionate about what we do as mentors.

'Misha will continue to shine and she will learn from this experience and use it to master herself as an artist as we all learn to do.'

Speculation: Nicole Scherzinger, who sits on the X Factor USA panel, was rumoured to be a possible replacement for Kelly


A spokesman for Rowland said she is making 'great progress' and is expected to be back in the UK next week.

She said: 'Kelly is expected to be on a plane back to the UK to take up her place back on the X Factor judging panel next week.

'Rumours of her quitting are completely untrue. Her doctor has said that she needs a few days so we're confident that she will be flying back early next week following her latest check-up.

'She remains in contact with her girls and is fully supporting them this weekend.'


source:dailymail

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Looking a bit Gaga: Kitty Brucknell gets her first taste of showbiz glamour in her X Factor makeover

By Emily Sheridan and Sarah Hajibagheri


Kitty Brucknell used to be a Lady Gaga tribute act before finding fame on The X Factor.

But a Gaga doppelganger is just what the eccentric singer looks like in this glam new X Factor photoshoot.

The 26-year-old from Cheltenham, who sang Gaga's Edge Of Glory at her first audition, ramped up the sex factor in a pair of stockings and suspenders for her racier pose.

Going a bit Gaga? Kitty Brucknell looks rather quirky in her X Factor makeover shoot, compared to her freshfaced appearance on Friday (right)

Brucknell is in the over 25s group mentored by Louis Walsh, who has warned her not to be a diva.

However, fortunately the younger female contestants have been giving rather more modest outfits for their glossy shoots.

Amelia Lily, 16, admitted she told stylists she thought one outfit they suggested was inappropriate for her to wear.

Colourful: Sophie Habibis, barmaid from London and Misha Bryan, right, a student from Manchester

She told the Daily Mail this week: ‘There have been a few things going on with me, they have been dressing me in outfits and they have had to take me out of some of them because they were too revealing because of my age. That is just them experimenting, little things. It's better to be careful.’

The teenager from Middlesbrough said she didn’t want a repeat of last year’s controversy after provocative performances by popstars Rihanna and Christina Aguilera’s last year.

Bookies favourite: Janet Devlin, a student from Northern Ireland, is now a brunette, while Amelia Lily Oliver (right), student from Middlesbrough has pink-toned tresses

She said: ‘Because it was a family television show it was a little bit raunchy.’

Bookmakers favourite Janet Devlin, 16, was given one of the most dramatic style overhauls with her mousy brown tresses dyed bright red.

She confessed her striking new look was sprung on her by X Factor stylists: ‘I heard all these guys talking about the makeovers and stuff and I said I bet you they are gonna dye my hair ginger and when they told me.. I was like....I was cool.’

The boys: Frankie Cocozza (left) unemployed from Brighton and Marcus Collins (right), a hairdresser from Liverpool

More boys: Craig Colton (left), a customer services assistant from Liverpool and James Michael (right), unemployed from Cheshire

Despite the taming down of fashion choices, the girls are still favourite to win at the bookies.

Betting indicates they are the strongest category, occupying three of the top four positions.

Janet is in the lead at 4/1, while Amelia and Misha are in second and fourth place, with odds of 14/1.


The Only Way Is Essex: 2 Shoes (L-R) Lucy Texeira and Charley Bird

Funky: Rhythmix (L-R) Jade Thirlwall Perri Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jessy Nelson

Cheeky chappy Frankie Cocozza, 18, is sandwiched between them in third ranking, sitting at just 7/1.

His rival, Craig Colton, has seen a big shift in odds, starting at 80/1 but climbing to 10/1 for the win.

With the added twist of four departures this weekend, Rhythmix are best priced at 10/3 to be the first group evicted by Tulisa.

Fresh-faced: Nu Vibe - one of two groups put together by Tulisa

The all-new The Risk: Ashley J Baptiste, Derry Mensah, Charlie Healy and Andrew Merry

In Louis Walsh’s Over 25s, Kitty Brucknell is 40/1 to win the competition but as short as 6/1 to be eliminated after the first show.

The girls and boys categories are less clear but Sophie Habibis, mentored by Kelly Rowland, and James Michael one of Gary Barlow’s stars, are the most likely to be axed with odds of 19/1 and 20/1.

What a transformation: Samantha Brookes becomes a glamourpuss, compared to her casual look earlier in the week (right)


The 'mature' men: Jonjo Kerr (left), a soldier from Wiltshire and Johnny Robinson (right), unemployed from Harrow


source:dailymail

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Cheryl who? Simon Cowell to offer Tulisa and Kelly Rowland 'DOUBLE pay for X Factor return

By Jessica Satherley


Cowell's praise: The X Factor mogul is so happy with Tulisa and Kelly on the judging panel that he's rumoured to be offering them another contract


Adding three new divas to the X Factor judging panel this season was a risky call, but Simon Cowell is apparently so happy with his decision they’re set to receive a deal for next season too.

Cowell is reportedly set to offer Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland contracts for next year’s series, which would pay them twice as much as their current deal.

While Gary Barlow has also been rumoured to have made the cut after Simon told staff: ‘This is the best the show has ever been’, according to The People.

Good work: Simon has gushed about how impressed he is with his new judging panel


If 23-year-old Tulisa is signed for double her current wage, she will see her pay cheque sky rocket from £250,000 to half a million, the tabloid reported.

And 30-year-old Kelly’s contract would shoot up to a whopping £800,000.

Although Tulisa and Kelly would not doubt be over the moon about the gig, the news would mean Cheryl Cole has no chance of being reinstated on the judging panel.

An X Factor source told the newspaper: ‘Tulisa and Kelly will definitely be back. Simon believes Tulisa is the next Cheryl and will be even bigger.

‘At first Simon was worried about Cheryl not being on the show but those worries have now disappeared.’

Surprised? Kelly Rowland could be in for a nice surprise if Cowell gives her a pay rise next year

Impressive work: Simon is also said to be impressed with Gary Barlow's judging skills


Cowell spoke out about his new judges on ITV2’s Xtra Factor last night and said: ‘I think they’re great.

‘Gary’s like a producer and he knows how to spot a star. Kelly, she’s like an athlete, and it’s this American professionalism – always, always on it.

‘And Tulisa, she’s like the lippy brat, right? I like that. She’s bolshy. She has a good ear. I think they’re gonna do well.’

He continued to describe 40-year-old Barlow as ‘a competitive person’.

Cowell said: ‘He’ll want to come in on his first year and win. And you can tell these two girls, they’re just going, ‘no you’re not’.’

American dreams: Simon, who is busy Stateside with X Factor USA, is happy with the new UK line up (pictured in LA with Nicole Scherzinger)

No return? Cheryl Cole, who has been visiting British troops in Afghanistan, is reportedly not returning to the show


The only original judge is Louis Walsh, and although there have been no reports about whether he will return next year, Cowell is said to value him very highly.

Meanwhile, reports of Cheryl Cole making a surprise return sometime throughout this series have been rubbished by the Sunday Mirror.

A show source told the tabloid: ‘Now Simon has decided it would be a backward step to reinstate her.

‘He gets annoyed if anyone suggests Kelly Rowland or Tulisa may have to make way for her return. That is categorically not going to happen.’

A spokesperson for ITV2 told the Mail Online that they would not comment about the reports, but that Simon is delighted with the UK line up.

New line up: Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow sit on the X Factor judging panel


source:dailymail

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Second time's a charm! John Wilding wows X Factor judges in his comeback audition

By Liz Thomas, J J Anisiobi and Iona Kirby


Second time lucky?: John Wilding wowed the judges when he made his return to X Factor


John Wilding, 18, made his return to X Factor after reaching the Judges' Houses stage last year but eventually being booted out by Dannii Minogue just before the live shows.

However with a new panel of judges, he decided to try his chances one more time.

Before facing the panel, he said: 'With the new judges it's like a fresh start.'


He told judges Tulisa, Louis, Gary and Kelly: 'I'm ready to show what I can do.'

John then began a powerful performance of Jennifer Hudson's Love You Like I Do.

The judges were so impressed that they gave the hopeful a standing ovation at the end of his performance.

When it came to giving their comments, Tulisa was first up and had nothing but praise for the wannabe singer.

Powerful: John impressed with his performance of a Jennifer Hudson song


She particularly applauded him for returning to the competition and giving it another go.

She said: 'John, I love people like you, people that get knocked back and they don't take it as a negative, they use it to push themselves and better themselves.'

Tulisa added: 'I was blown away.'

Impressed: The judges gave John a standing ovation after his audition


Louis praised his great singing range and ability to hit the high notes in the difficult song. He said: 'Nobody can sing Jennifer hudson and for a guy to sing it and hit every note, that was incredible.'

Kelly gave a simple but effective response. She said: 'You belong on a stage baby.'

Gary was equally impressed with the audition and called it 'absolutely sensational'. He added: 'Thank god you came back. Congratulations.'

Sailing through: Every judge said yes, sending John on his way to bootcamp


John sailed through to bootcamp after receiving a clean sweep of a Yes vote from every judge.

He looked noticeably different from his stint last year and it has been revealed that John has spent £7,000 on a makeover to help him look like a popstar.

He has used his life savings – around £5000 – to get his teeth fixed, change his wardrobe, and has even gone on the controversial Atkins diet to look more like a star.

The style factor: John has bought himself a whole new image


Inspired by judge Tulisa Contostavlos’ £70,000 makeover which included £12,000 porcelain veneers on her teeth, the teenager opted to find a new look so that he would 'look right'.

He is determined to make a comeback and has changed his style, hair, and lost weight.

Wardrobe malfunction: John has spent a large amount of money on new clothes


Wilding from Essex told the Daily Mail: ‘I have lost about a stone and a half, changed my fashion sense, it was a disaster last year. I had a puppy dog jumper on and jeans.

‘There is nothing that can prepare you for seeing yourself on camera on TV, and when you do, what a shock.

‘I just looked at myself and thought if I want to sing I am going to need to change a lot. You can be the best singer or the worst singer but if you don’t look right that is it.’

The youngster admitted that he has cut out carbohydrates and sugar from his general diet but still “binged' occasionally.

Big boy: John sings his heart out last year for Dannii Minogue


He said of his 'new teeth': ‘They are not quite Simon Cowell porcelains, I am on the plastic composites.

‘I paid just under £5000 for them, so that was my car out the window. If you sing it is the first thing that you see, so I thought invest in them and the car can come later.’

Wilding admitted he felt under enormous pressure returning to the show because “people expect him to do better'.

He confessed that he “struggled' to cope after losing out last year and despite getting good GCSE results – he only received D grades at A Level because of the stress.

Tulisa's tears: The tough talking judge breaks down after hearing mum-of-four Michelle sing


The teenager added: ‘My family were very cautious about me doing it this year after last year.

‘There were some days when I would just not get out of bed. I would say ‘I’m ill’ and not go to school.

‘It was just a mixture of everything. They do build you up but then it is a TV programme. If it was just a singing contest it wouldn’t need to be televised.’

Emotional: Tulisa compares Michelle's voice to her mum's


Viewers also saw traditionally hard-nosed judge Miss Contostavlos moved to tears when 31-year-old mother of four Michelle Barrett, from the Republic of Ireland performed All The Man I Need by Whitney Houston.

Despite her strong 'raspy vocals' Louis Walsh told her: 'It wasn’t 100% perfect but it was certainly good enough for me.'

Matha teacher John Adams of Aberdare got positive comments from Tulisa about his looks and impresses judge Gary Barlow with his performance of Damien Rice track Cannonball.


Must try harder: Natasha from Swansea fails to get a positive reaction unlike John Adams


Two girls who have been nicknamed the 'Towie Jedward' who appeared on tonight's show have been tipped to steal the show.

Lucy Texeria, 22, and Charley Bird, 23, who call themselves 2 Shoes, pride themselves on their love of high heeled shoes, heavy makeup and orange tans.

The girls arrived late at the audition in a pink Ford KA and told the judges that: 'when we got to the car park, it was 25 quid to park and we only had a fiver. So we had to park somewhere else and by the time we got to the audition, we were sweating. What a palaver.'

Lucy describes herself as 'single and ready to mingle' but admits that her and Charley 'are probably the only girls in Essex who haven't got off with Mark Wright.'


Shut up! Essex girls Lucy Texeria and Charley Bird are dubbed the new Jedward



source:dailymail

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