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Writer's pictureJust Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell and the judges have their say on their final 4 contestants


Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field-Williams have chosen their final 4 to take through to the live shows which start next weekend.


SIMON AND THE GIRLS: SHAN, MOLLY SCOTT, SCARLETT LEE AND BELLA PENFOLD


Simon Cowell

On putting four acts through to the lives instead of three:

It’s four this year because I just went, "What is the downside of having four rather than three?” There's no downside. I really did just think there's no way I can just put three through, I just can't.

That’s testament to the talent in this category this year…

Yeah, if there were just three good people, fine. But I could have put any of those girls through.


ROBBIE AND THE GROUPS: LMA CHOIR, MISUNDERSTOOD, A STAR AND VIBE 5


Robbie Williams

Simon can’t edit you during the live shows. Are you up for causing some mischief during the live shows?

Of course I am up for causing some mischief! There’s no doubt in my mind there’s going to be some chaos!

What’s the best bit of advice you’ll give your finalists ahead of the first live show?

Fully commit. Whatever it is, fully commit. Leave it all out there. It’s all about a positive mental attitude. If you can't have that, learn how to lie very quickly.

LOUIS AND THE BOYS: DALTON ANDRE HARRIS, BRENDAN MURRAY, ANTHONY RUSSEL AND ARMSTRONG MARTINS


Louis Tomlinson

As you head to the live shows, what is your message to the other judges?

Honestly, I think Simon is the one to be looking at, looking at who he's got, that’s a strong team. There could be surprises in Robbie's and Ayda’s though. But, no cockiness, honestly, I think I've got the winner. I really do. I think I've got this level of respect and understanding with my, I'm not even going to call them contestants, with my artists. I just want to do different things with them. But in my mind right now there's two potential winners in my squad. That’s not a bad position to be in for year one…I'm not complaining!

AYDA AND THE OVERS: GIOVANNI SPANO, JANICE ROBINSON, DANNY TETLEY AND OLATUNJI YEARWOOD


Ayda Williams

Do you think it might be tough to win with the overs?

I've asked them myself, "How many overs have won this competition?" It's not very many. It's maybe two or three out of all these seasons. The odds are stacked against us – but I know we can do it!

Well, it’s not all about young, pretty pop stars anymore…

I’m tired of the bottled up pop prince or pop princesses who come packaged in a Barbie or Ken doll and has perfect hair or perfect teeth and is 16. I'm looking for something way more interesting than that. I think the world needs some heroes and some entertainers that don't fit into that category, I think we have got to celebrate something that goes past the surface. I'm really proud of this category and I really think it's important if they're in a competition that they do well.


Dermot O’Leary

Do you think the competition is going to really hot up between the judges?

Yeah, I think Robbie’s such a huge fan of the show that he’s desperate to win, Ayda wants to prove a point. I think Louis would love to win and actually he's got a great category. I forget how good the boys were. And when has Simon ever been anything other than staggeringly competitive? In terms of the actual competition between the judges, I think it will be more heated this year than probably it ever has been just because they're all very competitive people who want to win.


The X Factor Live Shows air from Saturday 20th October on ITV.


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