'X Factor' 2016: Louis Walsh Blasts 'Lightweight' Judges Nick Grimshaw And Rita Ora

Louis, you've got your job back - you don't need to do this.

Not satisfied with having his spot on the ‘X Factor’ panel back, Louis Walsh has launched another attack on last year’s judges, Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora.

The pair replaced Louis and Mel B on the ITV talent show in 2015, only for Simon Cowell to invite Louis to return for this year’s series, alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne.

Louis Walsh
Louis Walsh
Matt Crossick/PA Archive

Louis has now branded Nick and Rita inexperienced “lightweights” who didn’t have the “right credentials” to judge the talent.

Speaking to Best magazine, he claimed he said he would only return to ‘The X Factor’ if there were fellow judges “who knew what they were talking about”.

“Sharon and I are old, but that means we’re far more experienced, unlike the young whippersnappers on last year’s panel who didn’t know a thing about talent,” he said.

Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw
Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw
David M. Benett via Getty Images

Rita was said to be in the frame for a return this year, but Louis claimed it was him and Sharon who “pushed” for Simon to take Nicole back instead.

“We didn’t want Rita Ora,” he said. “It turned into a fashion show. The panel didn’t have the right credentials. They were lightweight.”

Louis is back on the 'X Factor' panel for 2016
Louis is back on the 'X Factor' panel for 2016
ITV

Louis’ comments come following Simon’s admission that he knew last year’s series would not be a success, before it had even aired.

The 12th run of the talent show suffered some of its lowest ever ratings, and changes to this year’s series have seen Caroline Flack and Olly Murs leave their roles as co-host, with former presenter Dermot O’Leary returning.

NOW READ:

Tap the image below to launch the slideshow...

Before You Go

LOADINGERROR LOADING
Close

What's Hot