Simon Cowell has told this year’s contestants on ‘The X Factor’ they must behave like One Direction.
The music mogul – who has returned as a judge on the ever-popular ITV show and is mentoring the Over-25s group – has stressed the need for them to be sincere during the show, citing the success of 1D and Olly Murs as examples to follow.
Cowell, 55, warned Jay James, Ben Haenow and Fleur East: "The audience can work out if you just want to be famous.
"If you’re real and truthful, you shouldn’t be afraid of that, don’t put on a TV persona.
"Two artists who got it right were 1D and Olly Murs – they showed exactly who they were."
What’s more, he encouraged the contestants on the show to be more vocal about the songs they performed and not to be afraid to stand up for themselves.
He said: "Don’t be a puppet. If you choose the wrong song, you’re out.
"You all have a real hectic workload but find an hour a day searching for ideas – you need to do that.
"Just work far ahead. Think about 1D and Olly – they were as tired as you’ll be."
Following the pep talk, the trio of acts presented Simon with a cake to mark his 55th birthday.
Simon Cowell tells X Factor contestants to behave like One Direction
