[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by Romantic Old Bird

For GOD'S SAKE SIMON, GIVE MARIA A RECORDING CONTRACT, NOW!!!!

They said on This Morning earlier that Simon apparently has offered Maria a contract with his Syco / BMG label. Apparently, they asked her if it was okay for them to say so on the show, and she said it was. He's on the show himself on Monday, so he'll no doubt confirm or deny it then, if he doesn't do so before on one of the XF shows over the weekend. It still seems strange though, as he's always maintained that he'll only ever sign the act that wins the show. This way, he gets the eventual winner and the act that really deserved to win. But he was quoted earlier this week saying that he never thought she had a chance of winning, anyway. He thinks it will be between Shayne, Andy & Journey South, apparently.