Jedward 'picked up by Universal'

X Factor duo John & Edward have reportedly signed a deal with Universal.

The Irish twins, who were dropped by Sony after only one single release, have been picked up by the rival label, according to Irish TV show Exposé.

Manager Louis Walsh insisted that the pair have a long future ahead of them, claiming that they are the real stars on the current X Factor tour.

"It's sold out, four nights in Dublin, four nights in Belfast, it's huge and it's all because of Jedward," he said. "It's the biggest tour in X Factor history and it's all about Jedward.

"Jedward then start their Irish tour and it's all sold out. They are so in demand. They haven't had a day off since they were booted off X Factor, which was the best thing that could have happened.

"They have got endorsements, they have TV ads, everyone wants to make a TV show with them. I've got a full diary for them. They are the real winners."

Jedward's debut single 'Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)' - a collaboration with rapper Vanilla Ice - entered the UK chart at number two last month before dropping to 12 a week later.