THE mother of X Factor contestant James Graham has urged judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to stop making "ridiculous" and disheartening comments.
The 18-year-old from Bicknacre squeezed through to the third round of lives shows on Sunday with his eight-piece band Stereo Kicks after the public vote found them languishing in the bottom two.
Cheryl dampened their spirits after their Saturday performance after saying she was "distracted" by the abnormal number of band members.
"Cheryl's comment was just ridiculous," said James' mother Paula, 47.
"Her own career started from being put into a band and I just think she should give people a chance.
"Their singing is spectacular most of the time, and it's a singing competition, so I would tell her to stop complaining about the number of singers and listen to the vocals.
"I'm confused as to where those comments of 'fresh, fresh, fresh' at the Boot Camp stage went to and are now 'I don't like eight of you in a band'."
The band sang Don Henley's Boys of Summer in front of a capacity Wembley Arena crowd on Saturday as part of the 80s-themed week.
Their mentor Louis Walsh labelled the performance "amazing" but Cheryl retorted: "All of you individually I know you can all sing, I've seen that throughout the process, but on here I'm distracted, I'm not focused."
On results night on Sunday the band received the fewest number of public votes alongside Chloe-Jasmine Whichello but won the sing-off, performing I'll Stand By You, with the judges' approval.
Paula also said that considering the band's song choice was changed three times up until Thursday night, and that James could barely speak due to suffering a cold, the octet performed brilliantly.
"The amount of followers and fans they have built up is amazing," said Paula.
"When they go to the studio or out they get absolutely mobbed so who knows whether they can win or not, the public can be easily swayed."
James, a former Sandon School and Priory Primary School pupil, will return to TV screens on ITV1 at 8pm on Saturday evening.
