Tearful new judge Rita Ora gets a cuddle from softie Simon Cowell as she breaks down over making tough X Factor call

By Becky Freeth for MailOnline

Published: 16:08 EST, 5 September 2015 | Updated: 18:39 EST, 5 September 2015

X Factor's new judge Rita Ora was reduced to tears on Saturday night when she was forced to cast the deciding vote on dental nurse Shianne Phillips' future on the show.

But it was the most unlikely character who came to her rescue, as lead judge Simon Cowell was on hand with a supportive hug for the emotional pop star.

Rita - who joined this year's panel along with Nick Grimshaw this year - was comforted by the 55-year-old when she sided with Simon and sent the hopeful home.

Scroll down for video

Breaking down: Rita Ora was seen breaking down in tears on Saturday night as she was forced to make a tough call on The X Factor

Breaking down: Rita Ora was seen breaking down in tears on Saturday night as she was forced to make a tough call on The X Factor

A split of opinions on the panel saw Nick and Cheryl Fernandez Versini say, 'Yes' to 24-year-old Shianne, while Simon said, 'No'.

It was down to Rita, who previously coached on BBC One's The Voice, to decide if she would go through to the bootcamp stages or end her journey on the show, nevertheless.

Rita liked Phillips' performance of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing and felt her passion, but in the end decided that Shianne was not up to the standard she was looking for.

Comfort: Rita was given a cuddle from old softie Simon Cowell, who left his seat to embrace her

Comfort: Rita was given a cuddle from old softie Simon Cowell, who left his seat to embrace her

Fate in her hands: Shianne Phillips takes part in the audition stage for the ITV1 talent show The X Factor

Fate in her hands: Shianne Phillips takes part in the audition stage for the ITV1 talent show The X Factor

'I am so, so sorry, but I can't say yes,' Rita sobbed as she delivered the verdict.

After finding it hard to say no to someone who truly wanted a chance at the competition, Simon reassured the new judge that she had done the right thing by not wasting Shianne's time.

New father Simon displayed a softer side and left his seat to give the beauty a hug, letting her embrace him around the middle while he stood above her. 

Emotional: Rita welled up at the thought of ending someone's career

Emotional: Rita welled up at the thought of ending someone's career

Sparkle and shine in Rita's mini by Versace

$7750

Versace AW15 embellished crepe dress

Click to pre-order at Luisaviaroma.com!

Buy now

We can't believe the fashion face off for The X-Factor has already begun.

Forget the live shows, it's all about the auditions right now with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora going to town with their competitive looks. And that's before we even get to Rochelle Humes and Caroline Flack.

But back to the judges. At the London auditions today Cheryl chose a very sleek scalloped leather dress by REDVALENTINO and Gucci heels while Rita went all out in this spangly mini by Versace.

From the AW15 collection it's a surefire head turner featuring sheer panels, a rainbow of sequins in blue, red, yellow and green and the label's name emblazoned across the skirt. It's a yes from us Rita.

If you're feeling the same then click (right) to Luisaviaroma.com were you can pre-order it now. All that embellishment takes time and time costs money so it's not cheap to say the least. So if you love the look but not the price then check out our pick of more purse friendly options below.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
...NOW GET ONE LIKE IT FOR LESS

Rita wasn't faced with the same sort of ultimatums in her previous role on The Voice because a judge could pick an act for their own category as part of the unique talent show format.

But having started her own career in her late teens, the blonde knew what it meant to a woman of her own age to receive a 'No' for their dream career.

Rita was originally discovered by Jay-Z so she knows what it means to impress someone with high standards. 

Let down: Shianne was disappointed to be sent home on Saturday

Let down: Shianne was disappointed to be sent home on Saturday

 

 

Comments (248)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now