Simon was so dismissive and snidey towards Mary
 

I'm genuinely bored to death of him and his selective criticism of acts, praising rubbish performances to the max and then hardly a word of praise to Mary, who was simply outstanding tonight. And when he did praise her it was for her fighting spirit or some crap like that. He's a joke. Rant over!

Well Said.

I Think Simon is always pretty fair,he said on the Xtra factor that Mary was one to watch,she was great tonight,but we all know she wont win as she hasn't got 'the look'unfortunately

They all say more on Xtra Factor but it's irrelevant really. He was so dismissive of her on the live show... compare that to how he was with his own crappy acts that performed terribly. Sorry, he's a joke.

Simon always has an agenda.

mary is a bit on the large side for him sadly.

Well of course he will big HIS own acts up,that is understandable.You don't have to be sorry,you are entitalled to your opinion,I think he is always quite fair,he doesn't try currying favour with the public that's for sure.

He does all the time. Like Girth has mentioned, the man has an agenda throughout each series and I'm getting tired of it. Seriously considering muting him next week because it's just total rubbish.

Just realised who Mary reminds me of in her publicity shot with that hairdo.
Angelica Huston in The Witches.

As GiRTh said, he always has an agenda. He likes to plant seeds in the public's mind of who he thinks is going to be successful; and because of his reputation for always being right, people are going to by and large buy into what he says. He will do his best to undermine the competition, I mean look back to 2008 when he had the audacity to criticise Alexandra for a flawless vocal because it was "predictable" - praise was due and praise was not given.

I thought he was pretty decent towards her myself. He's mellowed.

She should have gone in BGT. She's not a pop singer. Belting voice, but ...

People will only argue it's not about 'pop' but you're right. Has she the X Factor? Not for me. Stunning voice but in complete honesty I have family who get up on Kareoke and sound just as good

I have found Simon smug at times but I thought he gave fair comments last night, he tried to be fair to everyone and he even commended Louis for seeing the talent in Mary. She would not likely be someone he would sign up normally though.

For me and maybe I have missed this in previous X Factors,I have just realised how patronising,condescending and unconstructive Cheryl Cole is.

Danii makes constructive comments, Louis I rate loads, Simon,no matter what knows what he is talking about, not always right but he does have the knowledge. He didn't take away from Mary any of the comments made by the others and was clearly impressed with her performance too.

No, that is something he can never be accused of kazanne,naturally as you say he will always stand by his own acts, although he is the only judge ever to vote out one of his own acts,The Conway Sisters. He added when he did that he was doing so because he knew, they could never have any chance of winning the contest. So you are right,he is fair.