Home News TV Listings Movies Music Video Photos Radio Extra Book Club RTÉ Guide

Media News

Cowell decision helps save X Factor twins

Twins John and Edward Grimes avoided the axe from X Factor again tonight, with Welsh teenager Lucie Jones losing out to the brothers in a shock result.
1 of 1 'Jedward' - won sing off
'Jedward' - won sing off

The pair have divided opinions on whether their act is fun entertainment or makes a mockery of a music competition.

Head judge Simon Cowell took the decision over which of the two acts should stay to the public vote, and Jones had gained the least support.

As she was booted off the programme, she leapt to the twins' defence, saying: 'I'm gutted but the boys deserve to be here, they work harder than anyone.'

In a dig at the Grimes' debatable vocal abilities, mentor Dannii Minogue said: 'I just wish all the good singers good luck in the singing competition.

'It shouldn't have happened.'

Yesterday the twins managed to gain praise from their harshest critic for a performance of the theme from Ghostbusters.

Cowell said: 'It was possibly more entertaining than anything you have done before. Well done.'

Tonight's decision will further fuel speculation that the pop mogul in fact likes the siblings and has plans for them.

The X Factor website was inundated with shocked comments about the decision, for example saying 'Simon is mad' and "Simon just wanted to keep the ratings up".

However there were also a number of happy 'Jedward' fans, as the twins have been nicknamed.

The programme featured performances by Black Eyed Peas and former X Factor winner Leona Lewis.

add your own comment
User contributions and/or comments do not, unless specifically stated, represent the views of RTÉ.ie or RTÉ.
Click here for Terms of use

Must Watch TV

  • - The Late Late Show

    9.35pm RTE One

    You can be guaranteed that Ryan Tubridy will host a stellar line-up of high-profile guests, current social issues will get an airing and he'll introduce the very best in all-round entertainment, plus a fabulous prize for someone at home! What more could you ask for from your Friday night viewing?

  • - Who Knows Ireland Best?

    8.30pm RTE One

    Derek Mooney hosts as two teams compete to see who is most in touch and who has their finger on the pulse. Points are awarded for being in agreement with the majority of a survey of 1,000 people across the country. This week, three agricultural consultants (Tom Dawson, Tipperary; Julie Roche, Cork; and Mike Brady, Cork) go head-to-head with three auctioneers (Nora Meaney, Sharon O'Leary and Maura Fenlon, all from Carlow) to see who is more in tune with the nation.

  • - The Big C

    9.15pm RTE Two

    As the rest of the neighbourhood gets ready for Hallowe'en, Cathy prepares to start a clinical trial she hopes will cure her cancer. Yet just when Cathy needs him, Paul has to deal with a series of problems at work. And as they are arriving at the hospital, Cathy's search for a parking spot ends with her harmlessly hitting another patient with her car. Meanwhile, as Adam grows increasingly agitated by his mom's illness, Sean's Hallowe'en plans lead him to suspect that Marlene's ghost is haunting his house.

  • - Hustle

    9.00pm BBC One

    Albert decides to pay a nostalgic visit to an old haunt, only to find it's been pulled down by ruthless property tycoon and former '80s game show host, Dale Ridley (played by Mark Williams) in this week's episode. Posing as international businessmen, the team lure Dale into a scam, convincing him to purchase the television studios that fired him in his showbiz heyday on their behalf. Will the temptation to get revenge on his old employers be enough to trick the greedy entrepreneur?

  • - Safari Vet School

    8.00pm UTV

    Thirty-two vet students are at one of the toughest vet schools in the world in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Under the guiding hand of Chief Vet, Dr Will Fowlds, the students tackle everything from lions to rhinos to giraffes and elephants. In tonight's episode, TV vet Steve Leonard who presents the show is pushed to his limits when he's left in charge of 16 vet students and a hall of 100 barking dogs while Cambridge student Nadia gets a second chance at being a team leader.