Rhydian a hit on X Factor

A singer from Mid Wales wowed the judges in the first live round of hit TV show The X Factor.Rhydian Roberts's performance of Meatloaf's I Would do Anything for Love (But I Won't do That) was good enough for the public to vote to keep him in the show.

And the performance of the 24-year-old, from Trallong, near Brecon, Powys, proved a hit with the panel.

Sharon Osbourne, who has previously branded the classical baritone singer "revolting" and "nauseating" over his arrogant behaviour in the competition so far, said: "You do have a very good voice, very strong.

And renowned Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, said: "I thought it was absolutely outstanding."

Afterwards, Rhydian, who is currently reading vocal studies at Birmingham University and working as a personal trainer, told presenter Dermot O'Leary: "I just want to stay and prove I am not just an egotistical maniac. I hope to stay and show more of my voice."

Leona Lewis, winner of The X Factor last year, also returned to the show to perform her new single Bleeding Love.

However, the show ended in confusion as Sharon appeared to quit live on air. She announced at the end of the results show: "I'm out - gone!"

She was upset after two of the three acts she is mentoring - 19-year-old barmaid Kimberley Southwick, from Tamworth, and 23-year-old receptionist Alisha Bennett, from London - were voted into the bottom two.

Sharon refused to take part in the eviction vote, leaving Kimberley to be voted off by the other three judges.

A show spokesman said: "Sharon was very upset. All we can say is we're hoping she'll be back for next week."