Amelia Lily slams X Factor 'twist' after she is voted off

Amelia Lily says this weekend's "twist" on The X Factor, which saw her and three other contestants eliminated, was "unfair and cruel".

The 16-year-old was kicked off the show by her mentor, Kelly Rowland, after all four judges were forced to get rid of one of their acts.

But the teenager says she doesn't blame the former Destiny's Child singer.

"The twist was so unfair," she said. "If it was down to the public, I would have got through. My fan base is huge."

The X Factor twist also saw Essex duo 2 Shoes, Jonjo Kerr and James Michael voted out from the groups, over-25s and boys categories.

It leaves 12 contestants on the show.

Amelia Lily says she could hardly speak after the news was revealed on Sunday night's show.

"It's a television show, which people have to remember, as much as it is a competition," she admitted.

"But it was really cruel. I was gutted when I found out about the twist.

"I couldn't even speak on camera, I was that emotional about it. But hey, that's just the way it goes."

'No grudge'

Kelly Rowland had to choose between the Middlesbrough teenager and her rivals; 19-year-old Misha B, Janet Devlin, who is also 16, and Sophie Habibis, 19.

Amelia Lily says she doesn't blame her famous mentor.

"I hold no grudge towards Kelly [Rowland] whatsoever," she insisted.

Amelia Lily was voted off The X Factor after singing a Michael Jackson song

"She has inspired me so much. She's not only an inspiration to me and the girls but to all the contestants on the show.

"Last night she said to me, 'I'm still your mentor. You call me, you text me, you contact me whenever you want advice.'

"She wants me in the studio now. She wants me to be working right now and I am. I've promised her I will."

Amelia Lily opened Saturday's show with a performance of Michael Jackson's Billy Jean.

She says that although the other girls went for safer song choices, she wishes them the best of luck on The X Factor.

"It's always been Team Kelly," she said. "I love the three girls to bits.

"Janet was like my baby sister. Misha was like my mother and Sophie was always there for me like a big sister, giving me advice.

"The three of them are absolutely amazing. I'm so glad I got to meet them and share this amazing experience with them. I wish them all the best."