Cowell abuses 'Scrooge' Louis Walsh (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Cowell abuses 'Scrooge' Louis Walsh

10:31pm Saturday 28th November 2009

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Simon Cowell has reopened his war of words with Louis Walsh, branding the Irishman "the Dark Cloud of X Factor" and "Scrooge".

Walsh endured a merciless night of abuse from his fellow pop mogul on a night which saw the five remaining contestants sing versions of Take That and Elton John classics.

The bickering between judges began as Walsh criticised Danyl Johnson for using child backing singers after his warbling interpretation of Your Song.

Attacking Walsh for criticising the young choir, Cowell snapped: "Louis, you are like the dark cloud on the show."

Cowell, who went on to congratulate Robbie Williams on his engagement, later called Walsh "Scrooge" as he sarcastically asked him for permission to introduce Olly Murs to the stage.

Johnson had received a mixed reception from the judges after opening the night with the boy band's Relight My Fire.

His performance was applauded by Cowell and Walsh, but Dannii Minogue said: "The verses were pitchy for sure and I'm not sure about the body rolling."

Lloyd Daniels' version of the ballad A Million Love Songs also attracted criticism. Walsh attracted boos and hisses from the crowd as he said: "The public obviously liked you lots more than I do."

Daniels was shot down in flames for his interpretation of I'm Still Standing. Walsh continued his campaign against the Welshman, quipping: "Your're just about standing... it was a little karaoke for me".

The remark prompted an angry response from mentor Cheryl Cole, who snapped back: "But you haven't got anyone standing, Louis."

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