Cheryl Cole miming 'not an issue'

Brian says Cheryl's already proved her abilities as a singer

The X Factor's creative director Brian Friedman has said that if Cheryl Cole mimes during her performance on the show it won't matter.

The choreographer was quizzed on press reports that The X Factor judge will not be singing new solo single Fight For This Love live on the Sunday night show.

He told Newsbeat: "I have not heard that Cheryl's pre-recording.

"I can only compare this to other performers out there; Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Britney Spears. They've all mimed at award shows and other various occasions.

"This is not Cheryl's competition. She's already competed in one before on TV, she's proven herself as an artist so I don't think it would really matter."

The reports follow media speculation that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke also mimed part of her performance when she appeared on the show last weekend.

But Brian was quick to dismiss any criticism.

He said: "I heard her singing live all through rehearsals and she sounded incredible, so if she did [mime] she fooled everyone, including me."

Louis absent

This weekend's shows will take place without judge Louis Walsh, who is taking time off to attend close friend Stephen Gately's funeral.

Brian says twins John and Edward have grown on him

Brain admitted that things would be tough for Louis' acts without him.

"It's difficult just because he's got two acts left in the competition and they need him there to mentor them and he's going to be doing it via long-distance," he said.

"It's going to be rough but I'm trying to be there for the groups as much as I possibly can."

One of those acts is 18-year-old duo John and Edward, who Simon Cowell has previously described as "vile".

However, Brian says he's gradually coming round to the twins, despite the fact they can't sing.

He said: "I am there for the twins now, they're growing on me. They can't sing, it's not a mystery, but they can perform and they can entertain a crowd.

"I think that everyone, whether they love them or hate them, was entertained by their performance last week so it's a matter of topping that performance and giving more than they possibly can."