[Locke.]

X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has claimed that Diana Vickers was eliminated from the show because her fans were "too cool" to vote for her.

The Girls Aloud star predicted that her act would have a bright future in the industry after she was voted off in the semi-final round last night.

Speaking to Xtra Factor host Holly Willoughby, Cole explained: "You've seen over the weeks - Gary Barlow said he would sign her up. I just genuinely think the people Diana appeals to at home are a bit too cool to vote - those kind of people who wouldn't necessarily pick up [the phone] and go: 'Wow, she's amazing, she's my favourite'."

She added: "Honestly, I know people say that it's cheesy and clichéd, but I really don't think this is the end for her. Definitely not."

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell also predicted that Vickers would manage to maintain her existing fanbase in the coming months.

He revealed: "She's one of the few contestants who would leave a show like this and there'll still be a lot of interest in her."

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/...l-to-vote.html