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Cowell twists the knife as tension rises with Cheryl Cole
By London Lite Last updated at 16:19pm on 19.10.09The simmering row between X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole has been cranked up a notch after he taunted her over last night's loss of Rikki Loney.
The Glaswegian club singer, who was mentored by Cheryl, was given the boot after finishing in the bottom two acts — alongside Rachel Adedeji, whose mentor is Dannii Minogue.
Simmering row: Cheryl Cole had a word or two to say after Simon Cowell criticised her acts
But Simon revelled in seeing his two rivals in trouble, and wound them up by saying that he preferred annoying twins John and Edward. He said: “I would rather watch those two than them.”
X Factor Blog: Does Cheryl Cole deserve such praise for her performance?
He was clearly getting under the skin of Cheryl, who snapped back: “Don't start getting smug, because you don't know who is going to be in the bottom two next week.”
Simon made Cheryl cry on Saturday night's show when he criticised her choice of songs for her acts, and the usually pally pair have been at each other's throats from the off.
In pictures: Cheryl Cole's sexiest stage outfits
Louis Walsh was missing from the weekend's shows after attending the funeral of Stephen Gately in Ireland, but was lucky to see his acts — the twins and Miss Frank — survive.
He phoned ITV2's Xtra Factor show last night to say he agreed with
the decision to send Rikki home.
He added: “I don't think Rachel has been given a chance yet on the show — I would have saved her.”
Despite mourning the loss of close friend Gately, Louis made a point of watching the live shows on TV.
He said: “I never want to watch the show from home again. I've been shouting at the TV. I've been on the phone [with my acts] a lot. Both are going to have to be better next week.”
Meanwhile, there were mixed results for last night's two performers — Cheryl and Whitney Houston.
The X Factor judge's debut solo performance went down well as she somewhat nervously danced and sang her way through Fight For This Love.
But Whitney's comeback was marred by an embarrassing hitch when she was hit by a wardrobe malfunction. A strap came loose on her silver frock during her performance of Million Dollar Bill.
She then went on to act bizarrely when interviewed by host Dermot O'Leary, pausing for several seconds after each question was asked. Houston certainly did have a problem...
In pictures: Cheryl Cole's sexiest stage outfits
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Reader views (12)
More X Factor hype,they would do anything, and say anything for another headline. Getting fed up with it now,also if i hear another incredible, brilliant, amazing, coming from the panel i will probably puke on the telly.
- Mr S.Port, London
I say well done to Cheryl. It can't be easy for her to be mentor for the boys and to have to perform her debut on stage, live. I think she is honest, hard working and she seems to have a rapore with the boys. I wish she would chill out though - and show us that pretty smile of hers.
- Kelly, Stapleton, Bristol
What a great shame that we had to listen to Cheryl Cole trying to sing - she was put in the Girls Aloud because she looks good, not because she is good at singing - stick to what you are good at please Cheryl. Simon how can you say such positive words about her performance when you know how it really compared to the contestants? You are normally so refreshingly honest - all very embarrassing - most of Britain was cringing last night....
- Kate, london
BOTH THESE PEOPLE SEEM UNATTRACTIVE TO ME but I never watch this wretched series anyway
- Michael, London, UK
cheryl cole was amateur night. her biggest assett-her face- was completely hidden. What about the costume? Her performance wasn't a patch on the talent she was supposed to be judging. It just shows what a good personality and quirky dialect can bestow.
- Martin Fredman, sonning
think they should get ride of cole she does nothing but cry and rude 2 contestents and intrested in any boby else but her self
- Jackie, fife scotland
If any singer is worth listening to they should do their own vocals and not rely on backing singers to cover for them
- M Lovell, kent uk
This is a reason I don't watch Mr Botox and his harlequins, prefer to watch live comedy in Parliament.
- Bill, Hay~Heath UK
I thought Cheryl Cole should forget a solo career she is so average - you would never know her voice above any other very ordinary singer. She is only there because for sone crazy reason she has been PUT there. NOT by talent thats for sure.
- Lynda Palmer, Gt Yarmouth
Cheryl Cole was absolutely terrible. The girl CANNOT sing. SC said she was incredible. I agree, incredibly awful! He says he is going to make her big in America! Another American dream over! She would be laughed off the stage and SC would be laughed out of America.
However, the tone deaf Great British Public are sure to make her single number one this week. I squirm with embarrassment for the poor girl!
- Almera, Leeds
I think it's good that Cheryl was reduced to tears after being criticised. Maybe she'll be nicer to the contestants in future. It's not nice to be criticised in front of half the country.
- Kate, London
I suspect Cowell is not getting the level of compliance and obediance he expects from Cheryl and probably Danni. He doesnt seem to like it and is becoming increasingly rattled and certainly showing himself to be a very spiteful and disagreeable man who is taking everything personally and not professionally.
Cheryl does not have to be his doormat or lap dog. He has Sinitta for that
- Amazonmothe, hasting
