Cheryl Cole has revealed that when she first saw Katie Waissel audition for the X factor she “couldn’t stand her”. The admission comes in her new autobiography when she is talking about going back to the show after being ill with malaria.
Behind the X Factor
Despite not liking Katie, the Promise This singer opens up about the nature of the show, explaining how Simon Cowell persuaded her that she needed to put Katie through.
“Simon had spent the past two years drumming into me that we needed acts who would be ‘good TV’”
Oh, so it’s not just about the singing then? We hadn’t guessed that.
“When I saw Katie perform this time, I had to admit that she was certainly that. She was quirky, intriguing and busting to succeed. In short, she had the character and drive it took to withstand the pressure of the show, and so I put her through, even though she messed up when she sang in front of Will.”
So that's how she made it through that year.
Battle of the girls
The 29-year-old didn't dislike all her acts that year though. Oh no. It was the year of Cher Lloyd and boy, did Cheryl like Cher.
"I absolutely loved her and had done from the start. She reminded me of myself, coming from a similar background and being gutsy, putting herself out there"
"She basically broke down when it was her turn to sing, but I still put her through because I believed in her and I felt sure she'd blossom as the competition went on."
That love didn't last for long though did it.