Cowell defends 'cruel' X Factor twist
Simon Cowell thinks the new 'X Factor' twist makes for the "most exciting" TV ever.
The music mogul has defended the controversial new chair stage on the ITV singing competition, which has been branded "cruel" by viewers for allowing the judges to swap their final six contestants at the last minute.
Speaking in LA, Simon justified crushing the dreams of aspiring singers, saying: "This came from 'X Factor Holland', where they used it very successfully.
"We elaborated on it, and it's very different than anything we've done before. This is probably some of the most exciting TV we've made on one of these shows. It is dramatic, it is controversial, but we all love that ..."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed the final 12 acts won't be staying in a hotel like in previous years. The hopefuls have been upgraded to a nine-bedroom mansion which used to belong to Lionel Richie.
The plush pad, located on the outskirts of London, has been introduced in a bid to curb contestants' wild antics, who caused chaos for fellow hotel guests.
Viewers will find out which acts make it through to the live shows during the Judges' House episodes this Saturday and Sunday.
