Simon tells boys to up their game

Simon Cowell has reportedly told 'X Factor' boyband One Direction to step up their game.

The music mogul - whose third act Belle Amie were eliminated from the ITV1 show on Sunday night - is said to be concerned about his prospects for winning the show.

Despite the boys - Louis Tomlinson, Zain Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Harry Styles - being a firm favourite among 'X Factor' viewers, Simon has told the teenage singing sensations they need to take their performance to the next level this Saturday.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "One Direction are one of the favourites, but he is worried that they could be knocked out if they don't up their game.

"The thought of having no more acts makes Simon shudder. The jibes from the other judges would be unbearable."

Meanwhile, the 51-year-old star is said to be fed up with contestants complaining about the songs chosen for them by mentors Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh, and has now ordered them to choose their own tracks to perform on the show.

An 'X Factor' source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Simon told them, 'You're not puppets and I want you to have a say'. But if they pick a song the public will hate, it will be their own fault.

"We can't begin to guess what Wagner will rustle up."