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RSSCowell blasts 'dark cloud' Walsh
Simon Cowell reopened his war of words with Louis Walsh last night, branding the Mayo man “the Dark Cloud of X Factor” and “Scrooge”.
Walsh endured a merciless night of abuse from his fellow pop mogul on a night which saw the five remaining contestants sing versions of Take That and Elton John classics.
The bickering between judges began as Walsh criticised Danyl Johnson for using child backing singers after his warbling interpretation of 'Your Song'.
Attacking Walsh for criticising the young choir, Cowell snapped: “Louis, you are like the dark cloud on the show.”
Cowell later called Walsh “Scrooge” as he sarcastically asked him for permission to introduce Olly Murs to the stage.
Johnson had received a mixed reception from the judges after opening last night’s show with the boy band’s 'Relight My Fire'.
His performance was applauded by Cowell and Walsh, but Dannii Minogue said: “The verses were pitchy for sure and I’m not sure about the body rolling.”
Lloyd Daniels’ version of the ballad 'A Million Love Songs' also attracted criticism.
Walsh attracted boos and hisses from the crowd as he said: “The public obviously liked you lots more than I do.”
Daniels was shot down in flames for his interpretation of 'I’m Still Standing'.
Walsh continued his campaign against the Welshman, quipping: “Your’re just about standing... it was a little karaoke for me”.
The remark prompted an angry response from mentor Cheryl Cole, who snapped back: “But you haven’t got anyone standing, Louis.
Murs, meanwhile, bounced back after finishing in the bottom two last week with a soulful rendition of the band’s 'Love Ain’t Here Any More' and 'Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)'.
Cowell praised his protege’s resilience, saying: “What’s been great about is that last week – no sulking, no money, you just got on with it.”
The night appeared to belong to Joe McElderry, however, who continued to wow the judges with 'Could It Be Magic' and Elton John’s 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word'.
Cole hailed the first performance “flawless” while Cowell added: “What was so impressive there was that you managed to navigate through all the dancing and production. It looked like you were really in control.”
After he performed his second song, the superlatives came thick and fast.
“I’m absolutely gobsmacked by that,” Cowell gushed. “Something happened to you in the week – the boy has turned into a man.
“It was by far my favourite performance from you.”
'Rule the World' was Stacey Solomon’s choice, winning glowing comments.
“I thought that was very believable,” Cowell said. “It was the perfect song choice.”
She later climbed on top of a piano to sing Elton’s 'Something About The Way You Look Tonight'.
Cole noted that she “didn’t always look comfortable” before Cowell added: “That didn’t do you justice.”
The five will learn their fate on tonight’s show.
