Cowell hasn't spoken to 'X Factor' acts

Simon Cowell has been too busy to speak to his four X Factor acts since selecting them for the show.

After filming the final selection stage in Miami last month, Cowell headed North to audition hopefuls for the next season of American Idol.

So hectic has Cowell's schedule been that he hasn't even found time to talk to his four artists in the 16-24 category - Ashley McKenzie, 20; Leona Lewis, 21; Nikitta Angus, 17; and Ray Quinn, 18 - on the phone.

"We haven't spoken to him on a personal level but he keeps well aware," Lewis told DS.

She added: "We've had contact through the vocal coaches. They've been passing on messages [from him] about our songs."