Brian Friedman praises Katie

12th October 2010

0Comments | Comment on this Article

Brian Friedman thinks 'The X Factor's Katie Waissel is ''a star'' and revealed 18-year-old hopeful Gamu Nhengu wasn't ''marketable'' enough to make it to the live finals stage of the ITV1 competition.

Brian Friedman thinks 'The X Factor's Katie Waissel is "a star".

Maybe it was something personality-wise that didn't measure up this time, maybe there's something that she needs to change, who knows? I think the focus now needs to be on the female acts Cheryl did put through.

The ITV1 show's creative director admitted while he was surprised judge Cheryl Cole didn't put 18-year-old Gamu Nhengu through to the live finals of the series, he thinks the other acts in her category were "more marketable".

He explained "You have to remember what the judges are looking for - Gamu didn't make it because some of the other girls were more marketable. Look at who Cheryl chose - Rebecca Ferguson, Katie Waissell and Cher Lloyd. We haven't heard a voice like Rebecca's in a long time, it's really special. And to me, Katie's a star.

"Maybe it was something personality-wise that didn't measure up this time, maybe there's something that she needs to change, who knows? I think the focus now needs to be on the female acts Cheryl did put through."

Brian has tipped controversial contestant Katie for the top spot after she was saved from elimination in this week's show by impressing the judges with her sing-off rendition of The Beatles 'Don't Let Me Down'.

He added to Closer magazine: "I've backed her from the beginning. She's undeniably a star - she's got a really unique look and ability. It makes sense to have her and she's been one of my favourites since the word go."