[Red Moon]

'You are the one to beat' - Cowell tells Eoghan

X Factor' finalist Eoghan Quigg, who will perform with hit band Boyzone on Saturday, is "the one to beat", says mentor, music mogul Simon Cowell.

Speaking exclusively to the ‘Journal’, 16-year-old Eoghan said Cowell has supported him all the way.

“Simon has been really good. He’s really confident and keeps telling me I am the one to beat and that I should just go out there and do it,” said Eoghan, during a break in rehearsals on Wednesday.

“I believe in myself. I just hope everyone else does,” he said.

As for his fan base back home, Eoghan can’t thank fans enough.

“Everybody is amazing,” he said.

The St. Patrick’s College student was blown away by the thousands of supporters - roughly 10,000 - who braved the cold weather to see him in his home town and in Derry on Monday. He does admit though, he was frightened by the screaming and crying fans at the Guildhall, but the teenage idol is also realistic.

“It was scary, everybody trying to grab me and touch me but that’s probably how my life is probably going to be from now on.”

Eoghan was hit hard by the departure of his close friend Diana Vickers, but said now he “just has to get on with it”. While staying tight-lipped on their relationship, he said “who knows” what will happen between them.

For the moment, the teenage idol is concentrating on tomorrow night’s star studded show where he will battle with Alexandra Burke and boy band JLS for the title.

“At the minute that’s the main issue for me, and I want to thank everyone who has voted for me,” he said.

“I really appreciate it and I love you all!”

Source: Derry Journal