Tearful Rita Ora comforted by Simon Cowell over future of X Factor contestant

Last weekend saw Simon Cowell brought to tears by a contestant's powerful rendition of Jealous by Labrinth, and during Saturday's episode of The X Factor it was Rita Ora's turn to get tearful. The talent show's new judge became overwhelmed with emotion when she was forced to cast the deciding vote on hopeful Shianne Phillips' future on the show.The judges' panel was divided following the dental nurse's performance of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing, with fellow new judge Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini saying, "Yes" to 24-year-old, while Simon said, "No", leaving Rita the deciding vote.

Eventually the 24-year-old decided that Shianne wasn't up to the standard she was looking for. "I am so, so sorry, but I can't say yes," she sobbed as she delivered the verdict.The I Will Never Let You Down singer previously coached on BBC One's The Voice, but wasn't faced with such tough ultimatums because a judge could pick an act for their own category as part of the unique talent show format.

As she battled with her emotions, the songstress was comforted by none other than Simon, who gave her a supportive hug and reassured her that she had made the right decision by not wasting Shianne's time.The new series of the X Factor is proving quite emotional so far, with Simon showing a new softer side X Factor hadn’t seen much of before.

Last weekend, the music mogul was left speechless by Josh Daniels, whose performance was inspired by the loss of his best friend, who had died aged 18 in a car crash in 2013. The pre-recorded scenes were filmed shortly after the death of Simon's mother on 5 July, and the emotional lyrics struck a chord with the judge.Cheryl was also lost for words, before shedding tears as she gave feedback. "That was the most captivated I've been in all the auditions so far," said Cheryl, before getting up from the panel to give the contestant a hug.