Simon Cowell argues with pushy parents

Simon Cowell argued with a pair of pushy parents at the X Factor auditions.

17-year-old Emma Chawner from Ramsbottom, Lancs attended the auditions with her mother, father and older sister.

Before entering the judges' room, Emma explained to the cameras: "I've been told by my Mum and Dad that I'm really good."

Her mother added: "[We've] literally pushed her and pushed her and got her to sing like a star! She's definitely got the gift, I think she follows in my footsteps, because I used to sing in the choir."

However, Emma was reduced to tears when the judges attacked her performance of Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On', as well as her outfit, which was designed by her father.

"I'm not a fashion expert, but for starters that dress is completely wrong and then you sang out of tune and it sounded like a baby," Simon claimed.

Emma left the audition room and told her parents about the comments she received, causing them to visit the judges themselves and demand an explanation.

"If you are coming in here to give me a hard time then you've got to take a good look at yourselves," Simon told them. "You are the reason why this girl is disappointed and I have to blame you guys for encouraging her to believe she's going to do well in something when she so obviously isn't, you have given her false hope."

Emma's mother insisted that her daughter had won awards for her singing, but Cowell replied: "People who've won a rosette at a donkey derby don't go on to win the grand national. Your daughter cannot sing."

The X Factor airs at 6.25pm tonight on ITV1.