'X Factor' rejects hit back at Cole

Published Sunday, Aug 17 2008, 11:16 BST | By Daniel Kilkelly

Rex Features

X Factor rejects Dreamtime have claimed that Cheryl Cole is not qualified to be a judge on the talent show.

Viewers saw Nathan Mia and Lizzie Solverson being turned away by the panel last night after they gave an off-key rendition of Mariah Carey's 'We Belong Together'.

The singing duo have now hit back at newcomer Cheryl, claiming that she is a poor replacement for Sharon Osbourne.

"What does Cheryl know? She can't even sing. They should get rid of her and bring back Sharon," Nathan told the Daily Star Sunday. "The other judges gave us constructive criticism but Cheryl was just horrible."

Lizzie added: "Cheryl should not be a judge. She doesn't have the experience. I think she needs to be more successful before being on The X Factor."

Mia and Solverson told the judges that they had sold 180 copies of their first album - and offered a disc to Simon Cowell for free.

Nathan revealed: "Simon kept my CD so I think he recognised something special. Maybe he has plans for us. I think he thought we were too good for the show."