X Factor judge Simon Cowell has decided that he wants Joe McElderry to win this year's competition, according to reports. He allegedly urged his fellow judges to influence voters by giving the Geordie lad extra praise when he performed at the weekend.
But, Joe's mentor is Cheryl Cole and not Simon Cowell.
The decision by the music mogul to back the 18-year-old singer is believed to have angered his remaining acts Danyl Johnson and Olly Murs.
A source told The Sun: "Joe is the winner in Simon's eyes.
"He's been bigging up Joe when the judges are around."
They added: "The others are not happy.
"But the bottom line with Simon is, 'Who will sell records?'."
All the judges praised McElderry who performed 'Could It Be Magic' and 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' at the weekend.
On the show Simon said: "I'm absolutely gobsmacked by that, I really am. I mean, you've got to remember this is what I do for a living, I run a record label.
"What you did with that song was so simple and so beautifully sung. It really felt like you were singing sincerely every lyric. By far my favourite ever performance of yours."
Dannii said: "Joe, you are absolutely flying high. You took the opportunity to do a hard song, and I know you've been nervous this week and worried about the notes, but you absolutely smashed it. And I can picture you in the final, I can see that."
Louis commented: "You've got it all, you've got the voice, you've got the personality, you've got the likeability.
"I watch you grow every week. You were born to do this and you have to sail through to the final. People have to pick up their phones and vote for you. I like everything about you."
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