X Factor UK held a press conference with all the judges and their axed contestants who are fighting to re-enter the show.
Digital Spy tweeted from the press conference.
There will be a four line four way phone vote opening at 4pm GMT today. It will close during the show on Saturday. 22p from phone votes will got to Help For Heroes.
“What a week!” starts Gary Barlow. “It’s been a sad week… But hopefully we’ll get some positivity out of it.”
Kelly “It’s really good that these acts get a second go… we have bonded with these acts.”
Tulisa: “Bring back 2 Shoes… Now Johnny’s gone, we’re missing the fun factor. We need them right now.”
Gary Barlow: “I don’t think any of us here are guilt free with Frankie… I’m always on the phone I just hope he’s ok.”
Louis Walsh: “It’s a pity. I loved Frankie’s first audition.”
Gary: “I can’t follow Frankie around all week… We’ve all encouraged Frankie to be bad… I do feel sorry.”
Gary Barlow: “I don’t feel good about it.” He says everyone should feel guilty if they booed Frankie.
Gary Barlow says they can’t reveal golden rule for legal reasons. Louis Walsh says “lack of professionalism” was rule.
Kelly Rowland says that her heart goes out to Frankie. Barlow admits responsibilty, but also blames press/Louis Walsh.
Amelia Lily: “I’m just going to keep being myself”.
Tension between Louis and Gary. Louis won’t apologise for Frankie comments last Saturday.
Kelly on “unfair” advantage for wildcards “Everyone has to come out swinging. It should bring everyone up a notch.”
Gary: “We’ll give James Michael something with a bit more life if he wins.”
Gary Barlow: “Frankie was silly. But I’m a parent. He’s got to live with this forever, so I feel guilty about that.”
Kelly Rowland: “You want to vote for Amelia. She’s a strong, strong contender.”
Tulisa defends Gary Barlow. “He’s not a babysitter.”
Gary Barlow says that James Michael has a great “recording voice”.
Judges have gone. Just four acts left now.
Jonjo Kerr: “I have no reservations. I let my family and friends down last time. I want to prove people wrong.” Jonjo says it will “smash him to bits” if he gets kicked off again.
2 Shoes “This gives all four acts the chance to hear what the public think… CAN’T WAIT…OMG.”
Amelia says her parents support her return. “Kelly has always been there for me.”
Amelia: “It’s bittersweet replacing Frankie.” Says she hasn’t spoken to him. “I hope he’s alright.” Amelia is backtracking on criticism of the show. “It’s the biggest show in the world.”
James Michael: “All I have ever wanted is to record an album.”
Jonjo on what he’s going to do to win votes: “I’ll just hope.”
Jonjo says that he would repeat his criticism of Kitty to her face. “There’s nothing wrong with her.” Jonjo says it wouldn’t be awkward in the house with Kitty. “She keeps herself to herself in the house.”
The acts insist that they had no reservations about return. “It would be silly,” says Amelia.
James Michael wants to bring “guitars and big band” to X Factor.
2 Shoes: “We are a bit mad, but we want to prove that we are great singers.”
Jonjo: “I want to go back because I let my colleagues and family down.”
That’s the end of the conference. There was a real negative mood with the judges. Perked up when acts were left alone.
Article on Digital Spy.
