Simon Cowell Snubbed By His "X-Factor" Protege

Simon Cowell has been snubbed by one of his proteges. The music mogul has been left stunned by "X Factor" contestant Ruth Lorenzo - one of his favorite performers from the last series of the U.K. TV talent show - who turned down his offer of a record deal to sign a Ł1 million [$1.5 million] contract with rivals EMI/Virgin.

View Photos [44]
View Profile
View All News

Ruth revealed her decision while partying at the launch of celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli's latest restaurant.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Ruth was telling everyone Simon was devastated she had signed elsewhere."

"Ruth admitted Simon has given her lots of advice and also that he'd given her a lot of confidence with her singing and her career."

"But the EMI deal was just too good for her to turn down."

Bosses at her new record label are convinced Ruth can do as well as the series' winner Alexandra Burke, and are planning on flying her out to America to work with rock legends Slash, Santana and Steven Tyler.

The source added: "EMI think she's a bit different to the norm with her Spanish roots and her rock credentials."