Under pressure: X Factor twins John and Edward are believed to have been dropped by Sony.
John and Edward Grimes have reportedly been dropped by their record label Sony after just one release. The X Factor twins, 18, earned themselves a cult following when on the show, despite being ridiculed by the show’s judges for their lack of singing talent.
According to reports in the Sun, Jedward, as they have came to be known, have been given the chop by their label because of fears that any future records will struggle to sell.
The Irish pair brought out a single version of Queen’s Under Pressure in collaboration with rapper Vanilla Ice in January. Despite the hype, it was beaten to the number one slot in the UK by American artist Owl City’s track Fireflies.
"We tried our best to make the lads credible recording artists but punters just weren't that bothered,” a Sony insider is quoted as saying in the Sun. "They are great lads but haven't got the greatest voices, so they're something to see rather than listen to.
"Record companies are going through major upheaval so we have to be very careful what we throw our weight behind. I'm sure Jedward will be able to make a buck touring as a novelty act."
Jedward came through the Glasgow audtions of The X Factor, despite the objections of Simon Cowell, and earned a place in the final 12 for the live finals of the programme.
They came through seven weeks of the 10 week competition, frequently defying the criticisms of the judging panel by triumphing in the public vote. They were eliminated when eventual runner-up Olly Murs came up against them in the bottom two.
Despite reports of their music career possibly coming to an end, John and Edward were in usual buoyant mood on their Twitter page yesterday, as they prepared to head home to Ireland to perform.
Two days ago, the boys posted an ominous tweet that echoed the fears of the quotes attributed to Sony. It read: “If there was [sic] no Jedward fans there would be no Jedward! We love all you guys! World peace!”
Despite the axe, the pair still have a sold-out tour in Ireland to look forward to and their mentor during the show, Louis Walsh, is said to be trying to secure them a new deal with another label.
