[Red Moon]

Simon Says...

MR NASTY Simon Cowell has a showdown with a family after crushing a teenager's dreams of stardom.

In the final X Factor auditions, which are screened tonight, Emma Chawner, 17, turns up with her pushy parents and older sister in tow.

They have told her she's destined for the top and dad Philip has even made her a show-stopping outfit - which took him two days to sew.

Her mum says they have "literally pushed her and pushed her and got her to sing like a star".

But when Emma fluffs her lines in Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On, Simon is quick to disagree with the doting mum and dad.

When Emma tells the judges she can't go on, Simon tells her: "Good."

And he goes on: "I'm not a fashion expert but for starters that dress is completely wrong - and then you sang out of tune and it sounded like a baby."

All the judges agree with Simon that she is not what they are looking for and a dejected Emma leaves the room to tell her parents of the verdict.

The indignant family, from Ramsbottom, Lancashire, head into the judging room to confront Simon but he then delivers an even harsher judgment on them.

He says: "If you are coming in here to give me a hard time, then you've got to take a good look at yourselves.

"You are the reason why this girl is disappointed.

"I have to blame you guys for encouraging her to believe she's going to do well in something when she so obviously isn't. You have given her false hope."

The family then protest that Emma has won numerous trophies for her singing.

But Simon responds: "People who've won a rosette at a donkey derby don't go on to win the Grand National. Your daughter cannot sing."

One youngster who does impress the judges is Plymouth schoolgirl Anelisa Lamola.

The 17-year-old says: "My dream is to be on stage at Wembley Stadium entertaining people.

"If I was to win this competition, it would change my life completely."

Simon is full of praise for her version of And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going, from the musical Dreamgirls.

He says: "I think you've got an incredible voice and I love that attitude you brought in."

At just 14, Luke, from Yorkshire, is one of the youngest boys to audition this year.

He explains his dream is to "be a really big pop star and perform in lots of big venues and sell millions of records across the world".

Singing Maggie May, Luke brings a smile to Louis's face and he tells him: "You are one person I have seen today that could do really well in this competition."

Simon disagrees, saying: "I'm just not sure what to make of it - I'm not sure what your voice is and if you should be singing rock songs."

Louis defends Luke by comparing him to a young Justin Timberlake but Simon bites back, saying: "It wasn't that great"- at which Luke bursts into tears.

Simon explains it was just his song choice he did not like. But the youngster fails to learn his second song properly and even fan Louis worries he will be too fragile for the live shows.

Zyta Zebihi, 46, originally from Africa, makes a striking entrance in a bright red trouser suit and a Union flag T-shirt.

She tells the judges she's there to "win for England - I am proud to be British".

But Simon is not impressed with Zyta's version of Candle In The Wind because of her unique pronunciation.

He says: "Due to the fact you sang Condle In The Wind, it has to be a no."

Will Louis, Sharon and Dannii think otherwise and put Zyta through to win it for England?

Meanwhile, Raj Singh Dharmu says he is investing his life-savings of £50,000 in the X Factor.

The 44-year-old, from Leamington Spa, is so convinced he can make it, he has even given up his job as a pharmacist.

He says: "I've given it literally everything. I've sacrificed having a family life for my music."

But Raj, who sings one of his own songs to showcase his talent, does not impress Simon, who tells him: "Raj, go back to the pharmacy and save your money.

"There is as much chance of you being a pop or rock star as me flying to the moon tomorrow morning for breakfast."

Raj insists he will make it somewhere, possibly the US or Japan, leaving the judges shaking their heads in disbelief.

The day doesn't get any better for the judging panel when the next contestant - Dawn Gerrard, 24, from Cheshire - walks into the auditions. As she tries her hardest, despite a very quiet voice, Sharon and Louis end up laughing their heads off.

Simon is not happy with their behaviour and demands the naughty pair leave the audition room.

They do but Sharon is so distracted, she smacks her head on a doorframe.

With all six auditions complete, the contestants who've been successful so far head off to boot camp.

The following weeks will see them split into groups, mentored by the different judges, before the final 12 are selected for the show's televised finale.

Source: The Daily Record