'X Factor': Viewers stunned as eliminated contestant refuses to leave and splits his trousers
Thomas Pound made his triumphant return to X Factor tonight as his drag queen alter ego to compete in the nail-biting Six Chair Challenge.
Simon Cowell had specially requested Pound to return after his initial audition as his drag queen persona – and Pound took him up on the challenge with incredible pizazz.
Wearing a red cape and black wig, Pound sang the emotional song ‘This is Me’ from the Greatest Showman soundtrack before declaring to the audience ‘Be who you are! Stand out!’
And towards the end of his applauded rendition, he stripped off and revealed his checked suit and short haircut.
“I like people who are unique, have guts, put on a show. I would tune in to see you any day of the week!” Simon Cowell said following Pound’s performance.
But it was ultimately One Direction and new X Factor judge Louis Tomlinson’s decision, who has the Boys category.
“You’ve got a seat!” Louis Tomlinson said.
Just starting #XFactor – Thomas is bloody fantastic. Wig literally snatched
— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) October 6, 2018
However, Pound was far from safe as he found himself knocked off his coveted chair after rival contestant J-Sol’s rendition of James Brown’s classic hit ‘I Feel Good.’
But he refused to take the rejection and boldly took to the middle of the stage and refused to leave.
“No no no! Please don’t be angry. I am not leaving this arena tonight without a seat!” Pound said.
In an unprecedented move, Tomlinson requested Pound do a sing-off with J-Sol.
And while singing Tina Turner’s crowd pleasing hit ‘Simply the Best,’ Pound did an impromptu splits that caused his trousers to split down the middle.
Anyone who can sing while doing the splits is 👌 in our book #Xfactor @TheXFactor pic.twitter.com/29SVwlkWWL
— ITV (@ITV) October 6, 2018
Undeterred he finished his performance confidently and even wiggled his bottom before the crowd while receiving feedback from the judges.
This shocking refusal to give up his chair and his wardrobe malfunction had viewers split. While some praised Pound, others slammed his actions.
Dying at Tom dropping into the splits and splitting his trousers 😂😂😂 #XFactor
— Lateysha Grace (@LateyshaGrace) October 6, 2018
Thomas doing the split and ripping his trousers is the best thing tonight 😂 #XFactor
— Siyah 💚💙 (@SIYAH_DP) October 6, 2018
Life lesson learnt. If I'm about to be booted from a competition, make a fuss and split my trousers doing the splits. #XFactor
— LG ™ (@lawrencegritt) October 6, 2018
The only thing he has achieved is splitting his trousers #XFactor
— Charlotte. (@CharlotteH_OM) October 6, 2018
How utterly ridiculous that that Thomas Pound made it through on the X Factor just because he threw a tantrum and refused to leave… 😂😂No doubt ITV didn’t want to be accused of being bigoted in sending a drag queen home.. even though they were talentless 🤷♂️😂 #xfactor
— Steven Bonaventure x (@absolutegazelle) October 6, 2018
Unpopular opinion: I didn't like Thomas behavior tonight. Louis is the judge, you gotta accept his decisions. It wasn't even fair to the other contestants.
Plus he put Louis in an uncomfortable situation so it's a no no from me. #XFactor #SixChairChallenge #LouisTomlinson pic.twitter.com/oRfc5pIkLj— Gabry 🦋 (@Hazismymedicine) October 6, 2018
Ultimately, Pound’s protest and sing-off did the trick, as Tomlinson decided to keep the defiant contestant.
“You both thoroughly deserve your seats back!” Tomlinson said.
But while J-Sol and Pound were safe, this forced Tomlinson to push off fellow contestant Tommy Ludford.
This comes a week after Ludford awkwardly fell off the stage while performing for his place on the Six Chair Challenge.
“Number three. Tommy, it’s the end of the road. I’m so sorry Mate!” Tomlinson said.
X Factor returns Sunday night on ITV.
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