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Simon Cowell tried to stop Lloyd in X Factor sing-off
By London Lite Last updated at 13:33pm on 02.11.09Simon Cowell tried to cut short Lloyd Daniels's performance last night as the 16-year-old hopeful struggled with a hoarse throat. The X Factor guru made a throat-cutting gesture to the producer as Lloyd sang You Are So Beautiful in the sing-off between the bottom two contestants.
Show musn't go on: Simon Cowell, left, and Lloyd and Rachel holding hands
The Welsh teen had a sore throat and his voice cracked throughout the song. He shook his head in embarrassment when he missed a high note at the end.
Nanny and Dannii: judge Dannii Minogue was joined by her neighbour for the results show
Our spy said: “It was uncomfortable to watch, and Simon must have wanted to end his torment as he made the finger-across-the-throat gesture. Luckily for Lloyd, the show went on and he stayed in.”
Lloyd was saved by the judges, who instead sent home a clearly upset Rachel Adedeji after her moving rendition of the Oasis hit Stop Crying Your Heart Out.
It must have been a bittersweet feeling for Lloyd — staying in the competition but beating Rachel. The pair have become close and were spotted holding hands as they arrived at the X Factor house last night.
Lloyd said after his close call: “My throat started about four days ago, but got worse yesterday. I had a feeling all day that I was going to be in the last two.”
The heartthrob — whose army of young female fans really need to start picking up the phone and voting for him — admitted he thought he got by because of his cute looks “only because there is so much talent [in the competition] this year”.
Whether he has a sore throat or not, Louis Walsh had a fairly dire prognosis for Lloyd's future career, saying last night: “I don't think he has got a chance as a solo artist.”
Dannii, who was joined by her elderly neighbour last night, expressed her dismay that twins John and Edward stayed in the competition and her act Rachel went home.
She said: “I used to think X Factor' meant an amazing singer and personality and performance, but I'm beginning to think that's not about the singing with the acts that are left.”
