[Headie]

X Factor act Jay James Picton has been accused of copying his performance of The Proclaimer’s 500 Miles.

Jay last night performed the song as part of this weekend’s 80s theme, putting a supposedly unique twist on it.

His mentor Simon Cowell claimed that it was a “genius” move, although Cheryl Cole said she found it very “odd”.

However it’s now been claimed that the cover is shockingly similar one by American singer Sleeping At Last, real name Ryan.

His version of the track hit YouTube a year ago and has had over half a million views.

Many were quick to point out the similarities on Twitter, with one fan saying: “The #XFACTOR totally just took credit for @sleepingatlast ‘s arrangement of #500miles by the @The_Proclaimers”

Another quipped: “Any1 tempted to download the ‘original’ Jay James version, download the cover its ripped off from @sleepingatlast”

And a third sniped: “Jay James you just copied Sleeping At Last’s cover of 500 miles”

Sleeping At Last himself tweeted yesterday evening: “WHOA! thx for all of the passionate tweets bout @TheXFactor @SimonCowell & a contestant singing my ver of 500 miles! you guys got my back!”

It’s the second song from last night’s slow alone that’s claimed to have taken a surprising amount of inspiration from elsewhere, with Lauren Platt also accused of ripping off her performance.

Read more: http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the...#ixzz3GaxhI9kM
Follow us: @tellymix on Twitter | tellymix on Facebook

Where was Mel and her 'cheating' accusations?