Anton Stephans angrily hit back after Nick Grimshaw branded his 'X Factor' performance fake on Saturday (21.11.15).

Anton Stephans

Anton Stephans

The 45-year-old former backing singer performed Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's 'One Sweet Day' but DJ Nick was not impressed, leading to an awkward exchange.

Nick said: "You have a great voice but it's rather technical to me. I don't know if you're the sort of artist that I'd want to listen to on the radio or buy the album - there's something that still feels like an act to me, it's not real to me."

However, Anton was furious with the critique and hit back, saying: "That might be an act, but this is real. There is nothing fake about me!"

When Nick said: "No need to be aggressive", Anton insisted: "I'm not being aggressive, I just need to put you straight."

However, after Cheryl Fernandez-Versini agreed with Nick, Anton apologised, saying: "Sorry, Nick. I'm sorry. I don't mean to be disrespectful at all."

Anton's mentor Simon Cowell also got involved, telling Nick angrily: "Not everyone here is a Radio 1 artist, Nick. This is about someone older than the rest who has a beautiful voice ... I don't think you quite get it."

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