Staged: It has emerged that producers rehearsed the Cheryl Cole no vote on Sunday after she refused to pick between Katie Waissel, left, and Treyc Cohen
Calls grow for Cheryl to be axed as thousands of fans complain Host Dermot O'Leary reveals producers rehearsed Cheryl's no vote in ad break TV sources confirm Treyc received THREE times more votes of support than Katie One of the most controversial X Factor shows ever was last night exposed as nothing more than a charade.
Presenter Dermot O’Leary revealed that Cheryl Cole’s decision not to vote when two of her acts were up against each other to escape the axe had been planned all along. Millions watched as Miss Cole dithered over whether to plump for Treyc Cohen or Katie Waissel.
Decision and indecision: Cheryl left the decision to the other judges, but if it had gone to deadlock Katie would have gone, not Treyc, it has emerged
Eventually she refused to choose at all – and Miss Cohen was kicked off the show after the other judges voted against her by two to one.
Yesterday, however, O’Leary revealed how Miss Cole’s apparently agonising decision had actually been decided by show bosses during the commercial break – as more cynical viewers perhaps might have suspected all along.
He disclosed a dramatic stand-off between him and Miss Cole was agreed in advance.
Moment of truth: Host Dermot O'Leary challenges Cheryl as Katie and Treyc watch on, but he has now revealed the confrontation was all staged
'We thought it might happen before the break when we found out who was in the bottom two,’ he said.
'We decided if she wasn’t going to vote, we would go to the majority verdict.’
The disclosure puts the episode in a disturbing new light and comes as calls are growing among fans for Miss Cole to be axed from her £1.7million job.
Under the rules of the show, the four judges vote to decide which contestant is saved.
Simon Cowell went first and voted to save Miss Waissel, with Miss Cole told she had to vote next.
She and O’Leary then had an ‘argument’ over what to do as she told him: ‘I’m not sending either of them home, Dermot.’
He replied, ‘you’re refusing to vote?’ and she said, ‘I’m refusing point blank’, adding: ‘I don’t have to send anybody home.’
As the tension mounted she told O’Leary: ‘OK, well ask these two then and I’ll take it to deadlock.’
O’Leary said: ‘We’re going to move it on, we’re going to take a majority verdict.’ He turned to judge Dannii Minogue, and said: ‘If you go with Treyc, she’s going home.’
She voted to send Miss Waissel home, with Louis Walsh voting next for Miss Cohen to go, meaning Cole did not need to vote.
The controversy came as TV sources confirmed Miss Cohen had received three times as many votes as Miss Waissel in the public vote.
So if Miss Cole had voted for Miss Cohen – making the judges’ scoring 2-2 and so going to ‘Deadlock’ where the contestant with the lowest public vote is ousted – it would have been Miss Waissel who went home.
ITV has already received more than 1,000 complaints and telly watchdog Ofcom has also had more than 2,000 complaints to date.
And the father of Miss Cohen, a call centre worker from Tamworth, Staffordshire, has criticised Cowell for overseeing the result.
Fitzgerald Cohen, 68, said that both Miss Cole and Cowell owed Miss Cohen an apology. ‘I think the judges get instructions as they go out on to the stage as to who they are supposed to keep in,’ he said.
‘I think if the judges let it go to deadlock, Treyc would have stayed. But I think they wanted to keep Katie in, so they refused to let it come down to the public vote.’ Mr Cohen, 68, added: ‘The main aim is to make as much money as possible, with no regard to people’s lives.’
Some 16.7million viewers watched Sunday’s programme.
An X Factor spokesman said: ‘A judge can abstain from placing a vote. Cheryl made it clear that she would not send anyone home and therefore abstained from voting.
‘Dermot went back to her to clarify that it was going to go to a majority vote if she did that. Cheryl was unable to take the vote to deadlock as deadlock requires a valid active vote.’
Royal approval: Cole ignored the growing storm surrounding her refusal to judge on Sunday night's X Factor when she met Prince Charles with fellow judge Dannii Minogue at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday night in London
Ex Factor: TV sources confirmed Miss Cohen had received three times as many votes as Miss Waissel in the public vote
Golden girls: X Factor reject Treyc Cohen on her way to the Pride of Britain Awards in London tonight and, right, Katie Waissel, making her red carpet arrival at the event
Cheryl's remaining acts complain to Cowell about how little imput they're getting
Fans continue to flood internet blasting Cole for bottling it and refusing to vote
Following the controversial X Factor vote shambles, Treyc Cohen and Katie Waissel put their differences aside last night as they attended the Pride of Britain Awards.
But while reject Treyc publicly baked her mentor Cheryl Cole's decision not to choose between herself and Katie, it has emerged that the judge's remaining acts have rounded on her.
According to show insiders, Cheryl's remaining three girls - Cher Lloyd, Rebecca Ferguson and Katie - have complained to Simon Cowell about how little they see their mentor.
A show source said: ‘The girls did speak to Simon and complained that Cheryl spends barely any time with them.
‘Cheryl went to Los Angeles last week, but it didn’t even matter really as she only ever really sees the girls on Fridays for a final run-through, when other judges like Dannii [Minogue] and Louis [Walsh] are working so hard – and Simon, of course, is spending all his time with One Direction.
‘Cheryl did have the girls in for a glass of champagne on Sunday night, but they are all a little peeved, to say the least, and tensions are running high.’
Glamourpusses: Dannii looked stunning in a full-length strapless black ball gown, showing a little more flesh than her fellow X Factor judge Cheryl, pictured right with Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts
Vex Factor: Simon Cowell and X Factor contestants Rebecca Ferguson and, right Cher Lloyd who along with Katie are said to have complained to Cowell about the lack of imput they're getting from mentor Cheryl
In an interview yesterday Treyc told how she thought she should have been put through because her sing-off performance was better.
Fans of the ITV series have taken to internet forums and social networking sites in their thousands to vent their fury - or support - over Treyc's booting from the competition. Over 1400 comments were posted yesterday on the Mail Online's story on the show alone.
After gracious appearances on the Xtra Factor and Daybreak in which she remained tight-lipped on how she felt about the scandal, 26-year-old Treyc finally aired her opinion during an interview on This Morning.
Speaking out: Treyc said during an appearance on This Morning that based on their performances in the sing off, 'I should have gone through' and not Katie
Not fair: The 26-year-old told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby it was unfair she went home, but doesn't blame mentor Cheryl for not casting a vote
Asked by host Phillip Schofield if she thought she performed better than Katie Waissel in the sing off last night, Treyc replied: 'Yeah, definitely.
'Everyone has been talking about Katie’s performance and how she sat down on the floor and I know I finished my song and put my all into it.
'So if it was based on that then yeah, I definitely feel like I should have gone through.'
Brave faces: Treyc was all smiles outside the ITV studios yesterday, while embattled Katie grinned despite the scandal over her remaining in the competition as she arrived at rehearsals yesterday morning
Pressed by Schofield on whether she thought her elimination was fair based on the sing off, she answered: 'Um, probably not looking at it that way.'
Not to blame? Cheryl Cole looked weary as she left the X Factor studios with her pet pooch on Sunday
But Miss Cohen stood by her mentor's decision to not cast a vote, saying 'When Cheryl said that she couldn’t pick I completely understand why she never.'
Philip made his own opinions on last night's episode clear, saying he 'firmly believes' it should have gone to a deadlock.
Yesterday, on the social networking site Twitter, X Factor fans targeted Mrs Cole for her refusal to choose.
Many posted a joke relating to her unfaithful ex-husband Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, saying: ‘What’s the difference between Ashley Cole and Cheryl Cole?
‘Ashley has no problem picking a girl to go home.’ Meanwhile, on the Daily Mail’s website, one fan, Rachel, from London, wrote: ‘Publish the “rules” of this so called competition for all to see.
‘Now ’fess up X Factor, let the public who have PAID to vote for their favourite, know who their vote would have kept!!!’
Jackie, from Manchester, said: ‘Mrs Cole is a damn disgrace. She gets paid vast amounts of money to be a JUDGE and acts like a spoilt brat when she actually has to make a decision.’
Viewers even called Ofcom to complain about Mrs Cole’s refusal to vote, although the TV watchdog yesterday said it was not in its remit to take action.
During Treyc's interview, Schofield also asked the singer how she would feel if when the voting results are eventually made public at the end of the series, it turns out she did in fact beat Katie in the votes tally, Treyc insisted her elimination was meant to be.
'I’m not bitter at all,' she insisted. 'I’m a true believer of everything happens for a reason. Honestly, if I was meant to still be there I would be there.
One down: Cher Lloyd (left) and Rebecca Ferguson arrived at the studios yesterday morning after losing the first girl from their category
'I am OK [about it], at the judged house I got the "no" and I thought that was it, then Cheryl came to my house with the wild card, so anything else was a bonus.
'I wanted to just get on that stage and sing, and I’ve been there for five weeks and proved to the nation that I can sing and that’s all I wanted to do. Anything else would’ve been a bonus for me.'
Miss Cohen said she didn't believe the judges had fallen for Katie's act, insisting, 'No… I don’t think they have. She makes good TV!'
She defended the 24-year-old's behaviour off-camera too, adding: She’s entertaining! She is entertaining and she’s a real drama queen but she’s got a heart of gold.'
Treyc also weighed in on Wagner, who received massive jeers from the audience when it was revealed he had made it through again.
Back to work: Matt Cardle and Aiden Grimshaw headed back to the studio after getting through to this week's round with flying colours
Jokers: One Direction arrived in colourful all-in-one suits. They hinted at their outfit choices before arriving. Liam tweeted: 'Every1 keep an eye out for what we r wearin tday xxxx'
'Wagner’s great. It’s an entertainment show, he entertains,' the Tamworth call centre worker said.
She added: 'Obviously when we hear his name come through on a Saturday night, we are like "Ooooooh" but I think he’s going to be there for a long time, I really do.'
Treyc insists she will be pursuing her singing career post-X Factor. She told Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq last night: 'I just hope and feel that this isn't the end for me.'
'I'd like to think somebody out there saw something in me and would love to offer me a fantastic record deal. I will so definitely continue singing. I feel like this is just the beginning.
Bad weather: Wagner rugged up against the miserable weather, while an assistant protected what appeared to be the girls' dresses for Pride of Britain Awards from the rain
Scandal: Last night's results show has been met with plenty of controversy 'I have had a taste of something I have wanted for so long. This isn't going to be the end for me.
As well as next year's X Factor tour, Treyc will perform this weekend at G-A-Y nightclub in London along with 2005 winner Shayne Ward, who was a guest performer on Sunday night's X Factor.
Tweeting ahead of her appearance at last night's Pride of Britain Awards, which honours unsung heroes across Britain, Treyc tweeted: 'I'll be attending the pride of Britain awards tonight I can't wait. It's going to be an honour to be amongst true stars x'
Drama: Cheryl Cole's decision to not vote has sparked outrage among fans of the show
She's off: Treyc Cohen, right, was eliminated from the X Factor tonight but judge and mentor Cheryl Cole refused to vote after Katie Waissel, who is also in her category, also came in the bottom two
First time in show's history as Cheryl refuses to pick an act to send home
Emotional Katie 'collapses' onstage after forgetting her words... but survives
Angry fans vent fury online claiming show was fixed to keep Katie in contest
Cheryl Cole sparked controversy on the X Factor last night when she refused to vote and choose between two of her own singers.
Katie Waissel survived and Treyc Cohen was voted off - but she could have been saved if Cole had voted for her.
If Cole had voted for her, her fate would have been decided by the number of telephone votes.
*** Scroll down to see the video... ***
Decision and indecision: In the end the other three judges had to take a call, with Simon and Louis choosing to save Katie and Dannii voting for Treyc
Viewers last night flooded internet forum claiming it was a 'fix' because X Factor producers wanted to keep Waissel in the competition. Many called for Ofcom - the media regulator - to investigate.
Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh both chose to save Miss Waissel despite admitting she was not the best singer while Dannii opted to save Treyc.
Miss Cole refused to pick between her acts - the first time a judge has done so in the show's history.
Pressing: Host Dermot O'Leary told Cheryl she should make a decision on who to send home as it was her job to do so, but she wouldn't budge
Saying goodbye: Katie and Treyc shared a hug after learning their fate
After asking Simon for his decision first, host Dermot O'Leary then moved on to Cheryl, which seemed to surprise her at being asked second.
She told Katie and Treyc: 'You are both talented women. I am refusing to send anyone home.'
The 27-year-old then said she was prepared to take the vote to deadlock once the other judges had voted, but host Dermot O'Leary instead opted to use the majority rule procedure having already pressed her to make a choice.
The decision fuelled suspicions that producers are keen to keep Miss Waissel in because she makes better television.
But a show spokesman said: 'Dermot was very clear. He asked Cheryl if she was refusing to vote. He told her if she refused it would simply be based on the majority. Those are the rules
Saved by the skin of her teeth: Katie broke down mid performance as she sang for survival and ended up singing in a heap on floor after forgetting some of the lyrics
Swan song: Treyc performed a powerful rendition of Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart
Miss Waissel has twice threatened to quit the show as she struggled to cope with the backlash against her.
Fans earlier booed Katie during the tense result, prompting Dannii Minogue to later comment that nobody should be getting such a reception from the audience.
Outraged fans immediately went on internet forums to protest against the result. On Twitter, some demanded the episode is investigated by Ofcom.
On Twitter, EllisOfficial wrote: ‘#XFactor is an absolute fix. It should be investigated by Ofcom. The whole series has been constructed to launch Katie Waissel. FACT.’
alsy77 wrote: ‘I hate Katie Waissel - the judges can’t ignore the will of the people forever. Allons, mes enfants. Man the #xfactor barricade.’
PennyPstop said: ‘Eh? Cheryl makes up new rules and gets away with it? #xfactor Ofcom could get busy...’
Before the storm: Earlier on with her four girls, from left, Cher Lloyd, Katie, Rebecca Ferguson and Treyc
GKMikeTaylor added: ‘People calling X Factor a fix. They’re saying it as if it’s a sudden revelation.’
Fighting for survival Katie performed the track Please Don't Give Up On Me - but tripped over the words halfway through her song.
Clearly distraught, she battled on but lost the words again, ironically as she was singing the lyrics: 'Please don't give up on'.
In a desperate plea she then fell to the ground, sat down and said: 'Oh sod it,' as she continued to sing before breaking off at the end.
Trey performed a powerful rendition of Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart. Afterwards Cowell admitted that Treyc was the better singer, but saved Katie saying she was a more interesting performer.
Jumping for joy: Wagner was delighted after making it through again, but received huge boos from the crowd after hearing the happy news
There were huge boos as P.E. teacher Wagner made it through again.
The results show opened with all the contestants performing to the track So What by Pink.
Kylie Minogue, 42, performed her new track Better Than Today on the show, looking sexy in a short red dress and silver stilettos.
Following her rendition, sister Dannii was full of praise for her sibling, giving the performance 'ten out of ten'.
Former X Factor winner Shayne Ward earlier made his comeback with new single Gotta Be Somebody.
The 26-year-old said it was great to be back on the show, before asking fans to download his new track.
Earlier Cheryl told host Dermot O'Leary when asked how the hopefuls are coping: 'I thinking the pressure is really getting to all the contestants now, but in a good way because everyone's stepping up.'
Style wars: Dannii Minogue, right, was back on top tonight in a alluring lace corseted dress while Cheryl took second place in a beige asymmetrical number
All together: The judges walk out at the start of the show, with Dannii flanked by Louis and Cheryl next to Simon
On last night's show Matt Cardle brought the house down with an emotional rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
But after alluding to the song's personal meaning during the show, the painter and decorator later revealed why the Roberta Flack song was so special to his family.
In the ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, Cardle, 27, told how his mother Jennifer cared for her best friend Sharon's four sons after she died.
He explained: 'My mum's best mate was killed when I was 11 and she had four kids. My mum took on those kids and they absolutely made our family bigger and better.
'The oldest one Julian, his girlfriend was under similar circumstances and they got married a couple of years ago and I sang that as Kate came into the church. The whole day was one of the most emotional days of my life.'
She's back: Kylie Minogue sang her new track Better Than Today and said it was great to be back on the show
Looking good: The Australian star looked fantastic in a sexy little red dress
Matt and his older brother Dominic ended up gaining four brothers Julian, Ben and twins Tom and Rob.
Looking visibly upset as she talked to host Konnie Huq, he admitted he was too caught up in the emotional of it all to even notice the judges had given him a standing ovation.
Following his performance on The X Factor, the judges all gave him high praise, even bringing his mentor Dannii to tears.
She told him: 'You not only had the audience on their feet but all four judges. It was a perfect performance. I wish everyone at home knew the story about why you sang that song.'
Struggling to contain himself after his emotional performance, Matt told host Dermot O'Leary: 'I'm feeling a bit weak. Last week was a real struggle and I just wanted to come out and do my best. I feel so lucky.'
Making a comeback: Former X Factor winner Shane Ward performed his new single Gotta Be Somebody
The show was opened by Cher Lloyd, who last week closed the show with an incredible performance of Shakespears Sister's Stay.
It was always going to be difficult for the 17-year-old to follow what Simon labelled 'the performance of the series', but Cher gave it a shot by bringing her own mix of soulful vocals and rapping ability to the stage.
Up next was Mary Byrne, who has so far wowed both the viewers and the judges with her performances in past live shows.
But again, she struggled to maintain the level she had previously achieved, and didn't do too well with her performance of Faith Hill's There You'll Be. Katie Waissel followed and performed No Doubt's Don't Speak.
After ending up in the bottom two last week alongside Belle Amie, Katie admitted she was nervous about taking to the stage. But she managed to pull it together for her performance
Ensemble: Rebecca Ferguson, Mary Byrne and Cher Lloyd performed the track So What by Pink with the rest of the X Factor contestants
Aiden Grimshaw was next to take to the stage, and after his poor performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller last week, he was determined to get back on his feet.
But, while some people thought he may have left his intensity at home after the judges urged him to do a 'happy, lively' song, Aiden stuck to what he knew, and performed Nothing Compares 2 U, the Prince song made famous by Sinead O'Connor.
Another of Dannii's boys, Paije Richardson, was next to perform with a unique mash-up of The Monkees' I'm A Believer and Outkast's Hey Ya.
Following his performance, Cheryl told Paije: 'You absolutely made my night. Great song choice, amazing twist. My favourite performance of yours so far.'
Rebecca Ferguson, one of the favourites to win the show, was up next, singing Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love.
Heartthrobs: One Direction also performed the track to open the show And, apart from Matt's performance, Rebecca's rendition went down the best with the judges.
One of the most controversial contestants on the show, Wagner, was next to perform. After taking on the musical legend that was Elvis Presley, the Brazilian singer decided to mix up Viva Las Vegas and The Wonder Of You.
Treyc Cohen was up next, with a stunning performance of Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss A Thing.
Following her song, Louis said: 'You're looking really great tonight. No matter what song you're given you always come out and give it 100 per cent.'
It was up to Simon's one last act, One Direction, to close the show with a lively performance of The Kids Of America.
After the performance, which came complete with hundreds of cheerleaders and matching outfits, Louis said: 'You could be the next big band. I loved everything about the performance. But I have to get my rule book out, this song was not even a hit in America. You cheated, Simon.'
But Simon insisted: 'When you came out it was like sunshine on a beautiful day and then Louis the thunder cloud comes along!'
Simon Cowell... or Harry Potter? The X Factor judge revealed his glasses on The X Factor last night
Since the X Factor started, there has been a lot of attention on what judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue are wearing.
But on last night's show, the style wars went out the window when a shot of music mogul Simon Cowell reminiscent of those worn by boy wizard Harry Potter was shown.
It's the first time the 51-year-old judge, who is notoriously vain about his appearance, has ever been seen wearing any eyewear other than sunglasses.
pitting image: The likeness between Cowell and Harry Potter, aka Daniel Radcliffe, is uncanny
And fans flocked to Twitter in their thousands commenting on the rimless round pair Cowell had chosen in the VT before his remaining act One Direction's performance.
One person wrote on Twitter: 'When Simon Cowell wears his glasses, he looks like an ageing Harry Potter.'
While another added: 'Simon Cowell in glasses looks like a 50-year-old Harry Potter...'
Someone tweeted: 'Simon cowell and harry potter separated at birth :) Loved thoses glasses lol'
But one fan said it was probably the fact that Cowell had forgotten to take the glasses off that viewers ever got to see them, adding: 'I bet you anything you will never see Simon Cowell wearing glasses again!'
Head-over-heels: Katie's affair with Philipp began in February 2009 when she was filming in Vienna
X Factor contestant Katie Waissel was ‘heartbroken’ when her boyfriend backed out of marrying her in a ‘quickie’ Las Vegas ceremony.
The controversial 24-year-old singer whisked TV producer Philipp Schwinger to the city’s Little White Wedding Chapel in July 2009 after a whirlwind romance.
But at the last minute, the 29-year-old Austrian had second thoughts.
‘You don’t often see true love but they were the real deal. For Katie, it was a natural progression to get married. She loves being in the moment. It was Philipp who was the voice of reason.
‘She lives in a world where anything is possible. Philipp lives in a different world and her free-spirit attitude definitely brushed up against his strict Austrian upbringing.
‘She was devastated. I watched her have her heart broken.’
Katie was picked from among 200 hopefuls to star in the online series. Under the name Katie Vogel, or Katie V, she was followed as she jetted off to America to work with music-industry insiders. The series, filmed over seven months last year, starts with Katie saying: ‘Everyone has a story, a dream, a song to sing. This is mine.’
Katie, who had fallen for him on the set of an internet reality series, Green Eyed World, was traumatised, according to the programme’s director, Tony Valenzuela.
‘Katie is a sweet and sensitive girl and I don’t know how many more knock-backs she can take,’ the 38-year-old said last night. ‘She fell head-over-heels in love with Philipp and he was in love with her too.
‘The affair began in February 2009 when we were filming in Vienna. She met Philipp’s parents in their huge house on a lake. Philipp was constantly in a state of admiration for this girl who could create songs out of nowhere.
'Real deal': Katie with Philipp Schwinger with whom she shared a whirlwind romance
The hair-salon receptionist from Harewood, Hertfordshire, has since become one the most unpopular X Factor contestants ever.
She has courted controversy since she was selected for the live finals instead of Gamu Nhengu, despite fluffing her audition at the Judges’ House stage.
Shortly afterwards, reports of a romance with fellow X Factor contestant Matt Cardle emerged but there was no truth to them, with some even believing Katie was the source.
She has also been accused of attention-seeking and has reportedly struggled to bond with fellow contestants. Last week, she was second to bottom in the public voting, ahead of girl band Belle Amie, who were sent home.
Actress Kristen Quintrall, who worked with her on Green Eyed World, has claimed that Katie seduced Philipp to get her role on the series. But Mr Valenzuela said: ‘Contrary to those stories, it was me who cast her. Philipp had very little to do with my decision. There was no casting couch.’
He said that Katie impulsively proposed to Philipp after noticing a sign for Las Vegas as they were driving through the Californian desert on a shoot for the series.
‘We headed out for Joshua Tree in the desert where we were going to write songs,’ the director said. ‘We were halfway there when Katie suddenly says, “Let’s go to Vegas instead!’’ ’ Philipp initially was taken with the idea, Mr Valenzuela said, and when they arrived in Las Vegas that night, he escorted her to the Little White Wedding Chapel.
Devastated: Katie 'lived in the moment' while Philipp was the voice of reason
Shortly afterwards, however, the executive insisted they inform their families of their intentions.
‘I think reality stepped in after they both called their parents but it was definitely much more on Philipp’s side,’ said Mr Valenzuela, confiding that Philipp informed Katie that they had been too hasty.
‘It was after midnight and we were all so tired. The three of us went back to Katie’s hotel room and just sat and talked about relationships and love. It was very sad. Katie just goes for it and maybe that was scary for Philipp.’
Katie attempted to resume the relationship but it was a ‘struggle,’ Mr Valenzuela said, and the romance petered out.
As well as appearing in Green Eyed World, sponsored by Sprite, Katie had a deal with a small US record company. That was reportedly cancelled to prevent her from being disqualified from The X Factor.
It has also been claimed that, during the filming of Green Eyed World, the singer began negotiations with a division of one of America’s largest labels, Interscope. Ms Quintrall said: ‘Just before she was due to sign that deal, she threw a temper tantrum.
‘They walked away from it.
‘Tony Valenzuela was furious because she’d just destroyed the series finale.’ But Mr Valenzuela said: ‘There was no major record label involved.
It was a show about a girl’s experience of trying to make it – not about a girl who had made it.
‘I thought it was cool that she went back afterwards and worked in the hair salon.’ Mr Schwinger did not respond to a request for comment.
When asked about Katie’s relationship with Mr Schwinger, an X Factor spokeswoman said they would not be making a comment.
Emotional: Matt Cardle's performance of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face brought the house down
It's been the girls who have been impressing the judges the most so far on The X Factor. But tonight it was the turn of painter and decorator Matt Cardle, who brought the house down with his performance of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
The 27-year-old received a standing ovation from all four judges, and left his mentor Dannii Minogue in tears with his incredibly moving performance.
Teary-eyed: Matt's mentor Danni Minogue and judge Cheryl Cole were left teary-eyed after the performance
Standing ovation: All four judges were on their feet when Matt finished his performance
Afterwards, Cheryl said: 'That absolutely blew me away, that was amazing. I felt every single word that you said. It was spine-tingling. I get why you're a favourite. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful.'
Simon added: 'That was completely and utterly stunning, just stunning. You know what, I was thinking tonight I like this group of contestants because I like the general attitude that you knew you didn't get it right last week, you picked yourself back up, you didn't blame anybody and you came back out here.'
Louis concurred: 'Another outstanding performance. The standard is so high tonight but I think you have absolutely stolen the show. With you it's all about the voice. I think you're the person that everyone has to beat in this competition.'
Powerful: Matt put his heart and soul into his performance and it definitely showed
Thrilled: Dannii remained standing as host Dermot O'Leary came on to the stage to congratulate Matt
And once she had recovered from the performance, Dannii said: 'You not only had the audience on their feet but all four judges. It was a perfect performance. I wish everyone at home knew the story about why you sang that song.'
Struggling to contain himself after his emotional performance, Matt told host Dermot O'Leary: 'I'm feeling a bit weak. Last week was a real struggle and I just wanted to come out and do my best. I feel so lucky.'
The show was opened by Cher Lloyd, who last week closed the show with an incredible performance of Shakespears Sister's Stay.
Style wars: But who won this week? Dannii, in an elegant gold shift dress, or Cheryl, in a black mini
Young and fresh, or elegant and refined? The judges have very different ideas of style
It was always going to be difficult for the 17-year-old to follow what Simon labelled 'the performance of the series', but Cher gave it a shot by bringing her own mix of soulful vocals and rapping ability to the stage.
But the judges weren't entirely convinced with her performance. Simon said: 'After last week, I'm a little bit disappointed and I'll tell you why. Last week was 100 per cent original, it was different.
Going back to basics: Cher Lloyd couldn't top last week's performances but tried her hardest
Pretty in pink: The 17-year-old performed Alicia Keys' Empire State Of Mind
'This was a little bit copycat, I'm not blaming you. All I'm saying is that in the standard of the competition this year, to make the finals you have to be more original and therefore I think your mentor got a little bit lazy tonight.'
Dannii added: 'Cher you look so fresh tonight and that song was something that could have written for you. I really loved it. It's really hard to top that performance you did last week, but I liked it.'
But despite Simon's comments, Cheryl insisted she had found the 'perfect balance' with the song.
However, when host Dermot O'Leary questioned Simon about his opinion, the music mogul insisted he was just trying to help Cher, adding: 'I say it because im trying to help her becasue to make the final this year it's the hardest it's every going to be.'
Not so good: Mary Byrne failed to get the response of previous weeks with her shaky performance
And Cher replied: 'I appreciate that, i really go. You have got to have something else to back you up.'
Up next was Mary Byrne, who has so far wowed both the viewers and the judges with her performances in past live shows.
But again, she struggled to maintain the level she had previously achieved, and didn't do too well with her performance of Faith Hill's There You'll Be.
However, despite her shaky start to the song, Mary still got a huge round of applause from the audience following her performance.
Drama queen: Katie Waissel had a video of herself playing as she performed No Doubt's Don't Speak
Rock chick: Katie looked chic in an all-black outfit with a leotard and black leather trousers
Dannii told her: 'We are down to the top 10 and you see what it means to every contestant in this competition. I think tonight you didn't feel as though you were inside the song. But people absolutely love you and you give everyone strength.
'You have to understand the really important thing is that the only one who can win this for you is you. I want to see your strength back.'
And Cheryl agreed with Dannii's comments, adding: 'You seemed very emotional tonight and not really yourself but I hope you're here next week.'
But Louis said he was determined for Mary to make it to the final of the show, adding: 'You are a real person, you've got real talent and you're living your dream. I want you in the final and I'll do whatever I can do to get you there.'
Playing with fire: Aiden Grimshaw performed Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U
Asked by Dermot why she was feeling so nervous, Mary replied: 'I don't know, I haven't been in the zone at all this week and I've been feeling quite low and lonely for my daughter.
'I'm very nervous and I don't know why, I honestly don't know why.' Next up was Katie Waissel, who performed No Doubt's Don't Speak.
After ending up in the bottom two last week alongside Belle Amie, Katie admitted she was nervous about taking to the stage. But she managed to pull it together for her performance.
Afterwards, Louis said: 'Katie, you're a fighter and to succeed in the music business you have to be tough. That was a brilliant performance, and I would like people to give you a chance and judge it on your vocals.'
Energetic: Paije performed a mash-up of Outkast's Hey Ya and I'm A Believer
And Katie showed her fighting spirit when she contested Simon after he told her 'the vocals went off in the middle, it looked like you were struggling.'
Katie replied: 'I felt I had the time of my life out there.'
To which Simon said: 'Parts of the performance were amazing. I also like the fact that you're not a whinger. You've had a couple of tough weeks and you have come back battling.'
Cheryl added: 'You are eccentric, you are a drama queen but it's all part of what I love about you.'
Aiden Grimshaw was next to take to the stage, and after his poor performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller last week, he was determined to get back on his feet.
But, while some people thought he may have left his intensity at home after the judges urged him to do a 'happy, lively' song, Aiden stuck to what he knew, and performed Nothing Compares 2 U, the song made famous by Sinead O'Connor.
After the performance, Louis told Aiden: 'You're one of the most consistent performers on the show.I think you are the perfect pop star - the image, the focus. And I like the fact you're intense. intense is good.'
Moving: Rebecca Ferguson struggled to contain her emotions as she sang Make You Feel My Love
And Simon added: 'What people don't know is that that song was only put in last night - you had 24 hours to learn it. And taking everything into account, I thought that was absolutely brilliant.'
Even Cheryl, who had been one of Aiden's most vocal critics, admitted: 'I now accept the fact you are an intense performer and I can't fault your singing.'
Aiden's mentor Dannii added: 'I think we kept the essence of you and took all the notes on board. I love the fact you are getting praise tonight. Well done.'
Another of Dannii's boys, Paije Richardson, was next to perform with a unique mash-up of I'm A Believer and Outkast's Hey Ya.
Following his performance, Cheryl told Paije: 'You absolutely made my night. Great song choice, amazing twist. My favourite performance of yours so far.'
Simon added: 'I loved the whole Austin Powers vibe, I liked the two songs. It was without question your best performance of the series so far.
Elvis with a funny foreign accent: Wagner maintained his previous standard of high energy performances
Unique: He performed Viva Las Vegas and The Wonder Of You, both by the King Elvis Presley
'I think you came out here to entertain, you really put on a show. I'm really really happy with you tonight.'
But Louis caused controversy when he called Paije a 'little Lenny Henry'.
He said: 'Week five and you’re getting better. You seem to be having more fun I like that we’re starting to see your personality. You’re like a little Lenny Henry.'
But Paije didn't seem to mind, telling Dermot: 'I'm just so excited right now. This is what I want to do and I'm just enjoying it to the max.'
Rebecca Ferguson, one of the favourites to win the show, was up next, singing Adele's Make You Feel My Love.
And, apart from Matt's performance, Rebecca's rendition went down the best with the judges.
Louis said: 'For the people that say there's no talent on X Factor, I hope they're watching tonight. you stand out, you are very special. I love everything about you.'
Breathtaking: Dannii said Treyc Cohen had some of her sparkle back as she performed
The little girl with a big voice: Treyc performed Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss A Thing
Dannii added: 'An amazing performance, you sang that with such soul. I feel something when I watch you perform - it's gorgeous.'
And Rebecca's mentor Cheryl added: 'My heart was pounding, my stomach was churning and the nation is willing you on. You've got something really special and it's an absolutely pleasure to be working with you.'
One of the most controversial contestants on the show, Wagner, was next to perform. After taking on the musical legend that was Elvis Presley, the Brazilian singer decided to mix up Viva Las Vegas and The Wonder Of You.
Before taking to the stage, Wagner said: 'Elvis is back with a moustache and a funny foreign accent!'
But Wagner, who has a Facebook campaign backing him to win, didn't impress the judges with his out of tune, out of time rendition - although Simon did admit he had been won over by the unique performance.
Having fun: Simon's last remaining act One Direction performed The Kids In America
What a show! The boys were joined by cheerleaders, and all wore similar outfits
He said: 'When you go to a funfair and you go on the big dipper it's something you like but shouldn't like and I've kind of got to that place with you now. I'm actually concerned that I actually liked the performance!'
And Wagner's mentor Louis said: 'The second song was really good - I think it proves to your critics that you can sing. Wagner, you have a cult following and I want them to lift their phones now.'
After his performance, Wagner told the judges: 'To the judges I just want to say I thank you so much for being here, I love you. And if I sometimes sing out of time or out of tune, I'm only human.'
Treyc Cohen was up next, with a stunning performance of Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss A Thing.
Following her song, Louis said: 'You're looking really great tonight. No matter what song you're given you always come out and give it 100 per cent.'
What do you think? The judges were stunned by how high the standard was on the show
But Simon added: 'I can't fault that vocal. You are a great singer. Having said that, it's like, if you have a lion, you want it to bite you, not lick you.
'And that's what you're missing at the moment, that killer instinct and that belief that you can win. You've got to get that.'
It was up to Simon's one last act, One Direction, to close the show with a lively performance of The Kids Of America.
After the performance, which came complete with hundreds of cheerleaders and matching outfits, Louis said: 'You could be the next big band. I loved everythign about the performance. But I have to get my rule book out, this song was not even a hit in America. You cheated, Simon.'
But Simon insisted: 'When you came out it was like sunshine on a beautiful day and then Louis the thunder cloud comes along!'
Cheryl added: 'That absolutely cheered me up and brightened up my night. You are a great kids, nice kids!'
The X Factor is on ITV1 tomorrow night at 8pm, when Shayne Ward and Kylie Minogue will be performing.
Staged: It has emerged that producers rehearsed the Cheryl Cole no vote on Sunday after she refused to pick between Katie Waissel, left, and Treyc Cohen
Decision and indecision: Cheryl left the decision to the other judges, but if it had gone to deadlock Katie would have gone, not Treyc, it has emerged
Moment of truth: Host Dermot O'Leary challenges Cheryl as Katie and Treyc watch on, but he has now revealed the confrontation was all staged
Under the rules of the show, the four judges vote to decide which contestant is saved. 
She voted to send Miss Waissel home, with Louis Walsh voting next for Miss Cohen to go, meaning Cole did not need to vote. 
Royal approval: Cole ignored the growing storm surrounding her refusal to judge on Sunday night's X Factor when she met Prince Charles with fellow judge Dannii Minogue at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday night in London
Ex Factor: TV sources confirmed Miss Cohen had received three times as many votes as Miss Waissel in the public vote
