Sinitta hits out at Nick Grimshaw’s ‘X Factor’ hiring
By Will Stroude
Sinitta has hit out at Simon Cowell’s decision to hire Nick Grimshaw as a judge for the The X Factor’s upcoming 12th series.
The So Macho singer – who frequently serves as a guest judge for Cowell during the judge’s houses stage of the ITV singing competition – questioned how the Radio 1 DJ could judge contestants’ singing ability, saying the decision was purely down to Simon’s friendship with the 30-year-old.
Speaking to Closer, she said: “I don’t get his decision to choose Nick Grimshaw – he can’t sing!
“How can he judge other singers? I think Simon and Nick are good mates though, so he chose to have a pal on the panel.”
The 51-year-old added that she hasn’t given up on her hopes of one day landing a judging position herself.
“I won’t stop begging. My kids often bug me for things and won’t stop until I give in, so that’s the tactic I’m using.”
Cowell previously defended his decision to hire the divisive Radio 1 presenter, saying: “I have an issue with artists judging other artists. I would never allow a group of artists to run the record label, that would be crazy. You have to balance it up a bit.”
Grimshaw and Rita Ora will join the judging panel for the upcoming series alongside returning judges Cheryl Fernandez-Fersini and Simon Cowell. After originally being postponed following the death of Cowell’s mother earlier this month, auditions got underway in Manchester at the end of last week, and are being held in London today (July 16).
The X Factor is expected to return to screens on in late August, with new co-hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack taking over from Dermot O’Leary.
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