X FACTOR: Celebrity fans have accused Louis Walsh of “cheating” for saving Kevin McHale after his “disappointing” performance.
The former Glee actor, 31, failed to impress viewers with his rendition of Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now.
He was joined on stage by luminous backing dancers and gave an energetic performance, but it fell flat for lots of people – including judge Simon Cowell.
Simon said: “Tonight, I don’t think you’ve done well at all. I’ll tell you why. Kevin, it was imagine having a cat and a dog.
“And the cat eats the dog food and the dog eats the cat food. In other words, you chose, in my opinion, the wrong song for you. Tonight, it felt like you were struggling tonight.”
However, his mentor Louis Walsh disagree – so much so that he saved him from this week’s elimination.
He said: “You were the only person who felt he was struggling. Every week he picks a relevant pop song. He takes a risk. He does something different, he never lets me down, he’s a dream to mentor.
“And Kevin, for that reason, I’m going to give you my safety.”
Nicole Scherzinger even said: “What?” in disbelief.
Fans were shocked at Louis for choosing to give Kevin his safety – even going so far as to label it a “cheat”.
One fan wrote: “What again? Omg cause you know people won’t vote for him so you’re cheating by keep doing that?”
Another added: “No way Kevin song choice poor at best safe seat, no way… that song did absolutely nothing for him.”
A third said: “Kevin that was a cringeworthy rendition of that song.”
