Simon Cowell: ‘fix claims are nonsense’
Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell has hit back at viewers complaints that Sunday’s X Factor result was fixed, the Sun reports. Mary Bryne missed out on a place in this year’s final after losing a sing-off to Cher Lloyd but fans have complained that the public vote should have decided which acts got to next week's final as in other years, rather than the judges. However, Cowell has called claims that the show is fixed to ensure Lloyd’s progress to the final “nonsense”.
"We haven't done anything wrong. All the artists knew there was going to be a sing-off,” Cowell explained. "Mary and Cher were told last Monday to prepare a song for a sing-off if necessary. I genuinely do not know the exact placings of the artists - who is top and who is bottom. I never know those details until the series is finished.
"There has always been a sing-off when there are five people left in the competition. This is a lot of nonsense about nothing," Simon added. "I'm always looking for ways to keep the show fresh. We knew we wanted four people in the final this year and I don't want to be accused of doing the same thing. It's more exciting and gives more people a chance to win it. That decision was made long ago - five or six weeks ago. It adds to the mystery and audience love the surprise element. We are doing our best to change the format. It's more exciting to have a sing-off."
However, more than 200 fans have already made official complaints to telly watchdog Ofcom while a further 50 have lodged complaints with ITV after they noted that during last week’s Xtra Factor on ITV2 Cowell told viewers, “Finally, we can put this back in the hands of the public." While on Saturday night’s show, Dermot O'Leary told viewers, "Now it's all in your hands. It's your votes and your votes alone that can get your act safely through to the final."
Despite Cowell’s claims, Ofcom have confirmed an investigation is underway. "We have received a number of complaints and are currently looking through them to see if there has been any breach," a spokesman revealed.
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