Mr Nasty tips Rhydian to win X Factor

X FACTOR judge Simon Cowell has backed Welsh star Rhydian Roberts to go all the way and win the TV talent show.

The outspoken judge was happy to give the Cardiff-born 24-year-old the thumbs up, despite the fact that he is being mentored by another judge, Dannii Minogue.

He said: “I think it will be Niki Evans, Rhydian Roberts or one of the groups.

“I think you are going to see an improvement over the next couple of weeks.”

And he declared: “Rhydian, I have to tell you, is a world class singer. He should be with me.”

Rhydian was praised last week after a “world class” live rendition of Phantom of the Opera.

World superstar Celine Dion said after his performance live on ITV1: “I’m stunned. He’s got an amazing voice, you are brilliant, you moved me.”

After the results, the singer added: “Rhydian is totally extraordinary, he’s in another league.”

Dannii Minogue previously compared the star to Marmite, with the spread’s slogan of “love it or hate it” and Rhydian has certainly seemed to have split the public.

On social networking website Facebook there are several sites for and against him.

The “Vote Rhydian Off X Factor” site currently has 542 members, while “Rhydian Roberts to Win” has 533.

Rhydian will be hoping to prove Simon Cowell right and win over a few more members of the public when he appears on tomorrow night’s show at 6.45pm on ITV1.