Simon Cowell reveals Louis Walsh’s X Factor demands – including a cosmetic surgeon on standby 24/7
SIMON Cowell has revealed Louis Walsh's X Factor demands - including a cosmetic surgeon on standby 24/7.
The judges reunited for the launch of the new series in London yesterday, and opened up about what each other asks for backstage on their 'rider'.
Never one to hold back, head judge Simon mocked his co-stars, first addressing Sharon Osbourne's supposed demands.
He said: "Their riders are outrageous – I sign off on them!"
But when Sharon said hers was just a "bag of bloody almonds and a bottle of water", Simon replied: "We have to order a fleet of aeroplanes to fly you in."
Sharon, who travels between America and the UK during the series, said: "I wish. I wish my plane could follow yours. Your rider - it makes Mariah's [Carey] look sad. Jlo, eat your bloody heart out."
Simon then took aim at Louis, saying: "Mine is very basic: water and a hairdryer. Louis's isn't far behind yours [Sharon] - he has to have a cosmetic doctor on 24hr standby within 10 miles of whatever venue we're filming in.
"That is true. 24 hours. That didn't happen 14 years ago."
Fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger then said of her requests: "I don’t know what’s on my rider – wine gummies, water, lots of make up, lots of contour. "Simon has a whole long rider."
Host Dermot O'Leary got in on the action too, adding: "He likes a lot of citrus based fruit – he likes a satsuma."
Most Read in TV & Showbiz
The comments were clearly made in jest, as the panel always enjoy poking fun at each other during the show's run.
Louis, 65, has made his own outrageous comments in the run up to the series launch on Saturday, claiming Nicole was lying about her age.
In 2008, Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole publicly admitted fibbing about her actual age and revealed she was turning 30 - when the band's website listed her as 28.
Back then, she cheekily quipped: "I should've said I was 27!"
Yet she then came clean and said she was born in Hawaii, in June 1978, which would make her 39 now.
But Louis cast a doubt on her confession and : "She's hilarious, talented and gorgeous. She ticks every box.
"She may be out really late the night before filming but she's still on it."
Then taking his playful swipe, he added: "It's great that she can still do all of it at her age.
"Nobody knows what age she is, but she's older than she says she is."
However Nicole was quick to laugh off Louis' claims, and insisted on today's Good Morning Britain that she hasn't lied about her age.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.