'X Factor' reject snubs second chance

2008 X Factor reject Mali Michael McCalla has turned down an offer from Simon Cowell to return for another audition.

According to The Sun, the young singer wants to pursue a career with a boyband rather than attempt to win the ITV1 talent show.

He is apparently in negotiations with a US record label with his group NSA. "It's the real deal," said a source. "He doesn't want to be associated with reality shows any more."

McCalla, 16, was turned away from the programme last year because of fears that he was too young to handle the pressure of the live shows.

Simon Cowell reportedly "begged" him to audition in London last week after he came along to support his dad Noel, who is hoping to make it through in the over-25s category.