In a sudden change of heart, Simon Cowell supports an act that just two weeks ago he called 'the talentless duo' in pursuing their X Factor dreams for a career in the music industry

On The X Factor last Sunday, millions tuned in at 8:00 ready to see the likes of Stacey, Jamie, Joe – and, perhaps for some the most annoying contestants, Jedward – survive another week to battle it out in front of four rich, uncharismatic celebrities who are loosely categorised as working within the ‘music’ industry, despite only one being able to sing and only one of them actually managing a record company. Nonetheless, the focus, Mr Cowell insists, is on singing ability. Alas, Jedward survive, Lucie goes out… and Mr Cowell still pleas that The X Factor is so watchable because it ‘transforms the lives of talented stars’. There are few people I know who did not resent the treatment Lucie was subject to; a talented alto female singer with enough versatility to perform with a gravelly, forced rock voice to take on Guns ‘n’ Roses with success, and to stand her ground in battles against the flawless vibrato-soprano Stacey Solomon and the tough showmanship of Danyl Johnson, was dismissed into obscurity by supposed ‘talent-searcher’ Simon Cowell, instead preferring two young guys from Ireland who cannot sing, dance or engage with the audience.

‘I had to put it down to the public vote – it’s their show’, Simon Cowell explained, with a smug smile brushing his face. Ultimately, the fate of Lucie Jones’ career was in his hands, and he at first flirted with granting her another week to pursue her dreams, he decided to look to his television executive side and reinforce Britain’s blind support for duo John and Edward. Apart from the obvious large production and lighting that attempt to mask Jedward’s weak vocal ability to reach large notes or to harmonise in their X Factor performances, it appears the country seems to support them on the grounds that they are not musically able and, therefore, are effectively voting for a losing battle.

Danni Minogue provided the overarching quote of the night when, in a rare state of totally fragility – given that Minogue apparently spends over double the time spent by Cole, Cowell or Walsh with their acts – Minogue shakily said ‘I wish all the good singers good luck in this singing contest’. Simon Cowell has, in the space of a week, perhaps for the first time obviously misused and abused his powerful position of influence and on a very level established a threat to his popularity and indeed job security. Good luck, Simon: you’ll need it.