'X Factor' star defends language decision

X Factor star Ruth Lorenzo has responded to claims that she is now hiding her Spanish background on the programme.

Simon Cowell criticised the contestant in last night's shows after she chose not to sing in her native language as she performed Michael Jackson's 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You' and Prince's 'Purple Rain'.

Speaking on The Xtra Factor last night, Lorenzo insisted: "I have to disagree with him because this is an English-speaking country. Even though I sing in Spanish, everyone knows I can sing in Spanish. But I think it's disrespectful if every week I sing in Spanish."

She added: "It gets boring."

Fellow finalist Rachel Hylton disagreed with her stance, claiming that she should play to her strengths by singing in Spanish each week.

Lorenzo found herself in the bottom two in last night's results show, but was saved after the judges' vote went to deadlock and the viewer vote determined that Girlband would go home.

The X Factor continues next Saturday at 7.45pm on ITV1.