The X Factor 2015: Simon Cowell admits that Rita Ora is a ‘revelation’ who never ‘belonged’ with The Voice

New line-up: This year's X Factor judges and presenters pose ahead of the series launch
Thames/Syco production for ITV
Jennifer Ruby25 August 2015
The Weekender

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Simon Cowell has described new judge Rita Ora as a ‘revelation’, admitting that she always ‘belonged’ with The X Factor rather than The Voice.

The music mogul claims that the RIP singer has changed a lot since she first appeared as a guest judge on the show before moving over to the BBC.

Speaking ahead of the launch, he said: “It did make me laugh when I thought about getting Rita onto the show.

“We did have her first! She was a very different girl back then, it was one of the first things she did and she was very shy, she was good, but not the Rita we have today.

X Factor Judges 2015

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Cowell added: “When I saw her on The Voice a couple of years later it was like, ‘How come they’ve got her? I wanted her’. I met her at the Brits and I asked her what happened, she said I didn’t ask her.

"I said, ‘I did, and to make it clear, I’m asking you again’”, he said.

Revelation: Simon Cowel says Rita Ra never 'belonged' to The Voice 
ITV

The head judge admits that he then made Ora a formal offer when she came round to his house with her manager, desite her being part of the rival show.

He said: “I never thought it would happen and then she came round to my house one night with her manager, and I got on so well with her. I said, ‘Do you want to do it?’ and she said, ‘I’m going to do it’.”

“She never went back on her word. She belongs with The X Factor,” Cowell added.

“She’s been a revelation. I was telling some friends the other day, she’s got an incredible heart, she’s funny, smart, interesting and really wants the contestants to do well.”

The X Factor 2015 begins on August 29 on ITV1.

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