Cowell, Jamie 'argue over song choice'

Simon Cowell reportedly had a big fight with X Factor contestant Jamie Archer last night.

The pair argued for 25 minutes after Cowell heard Jamie's rehearsal and advised the 34-year-old to choose another song, according to The Sun.

Jamie had been planning to perform Elvis Presley's hit 'If I Can Dream', but show insiders told the newspaper that Cowell was disappointed with his efforts.

The judge reportedly said: "That was well below par. You are finished if you sing that.

"You need to change your song and start learning the lyrics fast or you are not just going to let yourself down, but you'll let me down too."

Cowell then suggested that the U2 hit 'Angel Of Harlem' would be a better choice, but Jamie replied: "I don't know the words."

The argument continued in Cowell's dressing room, with the 50-year-old insisting that he was showing Jamie "tough love" and that it was "just showbiz".

A source told the newspaper: "They eventually calmed down but it got very heated. Jamie is absolutely shell-shocked by it all. We honestly thought he was just going to pack up his things and leave the show."

The X Factor continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1.