Simon Cowell rewrites the X Factor rules live on air as he invites Shan Ako to perform on 2019 tour
Shan Ako was personally invited to join the X Factor Live tour in 2019 by Simon Cowell on Sunday nig..
The viewing public might have the vote, but ultimately Simon Cowell has the power.
And thats exactly what the X Factor judge reminded fans on Sunday night when he made an executive decision live on air.
Following the shock elimination of former series favourite Shan in deadlock, the 59-year-old extended the ultimate consolation prize: a slot on next years X Factor Live tour.
Ayda Field sent the outcome to deadlock after sing-off with Acacia & Aaliyah on Sunday which ultimately showed Shan to be less popular with the voting public.
And if the outcome wasnt stunning enough, Simon then confirmed that he would like Shan to perform in the 2019 tour, which takes place every year after the competition final.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The line-up is yet to be announced but is traditionally reserved for six live finalists and a seventh sometimes decided by a public vote.
Next years tour kicks off in February and will visit Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
Speaking after the show, Simon admitted that he was pissed off, really pissed off that Shan had left the competition but promised her that it starts from here.
Simons act Shan Ako, 25, became the favourite to win the competition at the end of October, with odds of just 2/1 on being crowned champion, according to bookmakers Coral.
More: TV
It immediately followed her special rendition of the John Lennon classic Imagine and put her ahead of second favourite Dalton Harris.
Simon last week confirmed that the X Factor had been renewed by ITV until 2022 after winning over a younger audience.
X Factor UK is reportedly finding success with the 16-34 market this year and averaging 1.3 million viewers in this demographic.
Advertisement
Advertisement
MORE: Dec got Ants approval to joke about his absence before Holly Willoughby replaced him on Im A Celeb
MORE: Simon Cowells son Eric has a Harry Potter den in his house and were not jealous at all about that
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Advertisement
Advertisement