EXCLUSIVE: HE'S KIAN TO HELP
EXCLUSIVE X Factor judge Louis brings in Westlife star as talent aid And it could launch a solo career
By Jon Wise
X FACTOR judge Louis Walsh has hired Westlife heartthrob Kian Egan to help pick his acts - amid suggestions that he plans to launch the singer's solo career.
Officially Kian, 26, will act as a talent spotter for music mogul Louis, 54.
But an insider said: "Louis has a real soft spot for the Westlife lads. Westlife could be past their sell-by date and by giving him exposure on X-Factor, Louis may be hoping to gauge his appeal with the public.
"If he proves to be a hit it would be a perfect chance for him to try some solo material." Fellow judge Simon Cowell has been taking advice on selection from his ex, the singer Sinitta, for two years. The source said: "Kian is there to do the same for Louis. And it could be profitable for him."
Contestant Nikita won over the judges last night with a song she sang at her mother's funeral. Nikita, 17, from Glasgow, performed Bonnie Rait's Dimming Of The Day. Simon told her: "It's one of the rare times someone comes into the room and sings absolutely from the heart."
But he told Karen Hunter, 21, and Carmen Cairns, 20: "You are utterly useless."
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