Simon Cowell says Sharon won't win

2 November 2007 - Simon Cowell has expressed his doubts about the chances of Sharon Osbourne winning the X Factor.

According to the Mirror, he said that the fiery 55-year-old "hasn't got a cat in hell's chance" of emerging victorious with one of her contestants.

Simon predicted that "Niki Evans, Rhydian Roberts or one of the groups" is more likely to win the talent competition to secure a £1 million recording deal.

Louis Walsh is the mentor for Niki, Dannii Minogue is in charge of Rhydian and Simon himself looks after the groups - including Futureproof, Hope and Same Difference.

Simon claimed that this year's performers are not in the same league as last year's winner Leona Lewis, but added that things are looking up as the field narrows.

"I think you are going to see an improvement over the next couple of weeks. Rhydian, I have to tell you, is a world class singer, he should be with me," he remarked.

The 48-year-old producer also had nice things to say about X Factor host Dermot O'Leary, who he said "has been an absolute star".

Fellow judge Louis Walsh recently suggested that Simon's vanity has driven him to wear a wig.

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