'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell has reportedly defended one of the show's contestants, Leona Lewis, after she was photographed with two professional voice coaches.
According to Digital Spy, the young singer was pictured with CeCe Sammy and John Modi, who are both voice coaches.
However, Cowell has reportedly told the Daily Star that Leona is not breaking the show's rules if she is receiving professional coaching.
"These are innocent photos of a girl who wants to be successful," he said.
"Over half of the contestants will have practised with vocal coaches before coming on the show, of course."
Speaking about the two vocal coaches, he said: "They were vocal coaches on previous shows I've worked on, but they are not the vocal coaches on this series."
"I don't know who's behind it, but these pictures keep appearing. It's not fair. It's jealousy. There has been innuendo and rumour and speculation around her since day one."
"Someone out there doesn't want Leona to win. Simple as that," Cowell said.
