Austin Drage: 'I've got to thank Cowell'

Austin Drage has said that he is thankful to Simon Cowell, despite the lack of contact with his ex-mentor since he was voted off The X Factor last year.

The singer told BBC Newsbeat that he understood that Cowell had a number of commitments which made it difficult for him to stay in touch.

Drage said: "Simon's a busy guy. He's a multi-millionaire, in a multi-million pound company. He's very hard to get hold of because he's got a lot of things to do, which we all understood.

"I understand he's got the new X Factor coming out, Britain's Got Talent and he's got it all going on in America as well. I understand he's busy."

He added: "When you're working hard, that's what happens. None of us hold it against him. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be where I am, so he's one of the biggest people I've got to thank.

"I'm in no way, shape or form sort of angry at the show. I'm just pleased that I've been given an opportunity to get my voice heard. I really appreciate it."

Drage said that he is planning to release his new material on his own record label and has been working with people who have collaborated with Lily Allen and Tinchy Stryder.