'X Factor' hopefuls to sing Elton's hits

'X Factor' contestants will tackle the songs of Sir Elton John tonight – just three weeks after he blasted TV talent shows.

The remaining hopefuls have been practising some of the superstar’s biggest hits as they prepare for the next live edition of the ITV1 show.

Tomorrow’s results show is expected to feature a double eviction.

Contestants have been spotted wearing towering Louis XIV-style wigs this week, like the one famously worn by the singer at a flamboyant party.

Last month, Sir Elton said he had no interest in TV talent searches – or being on television.

He told the Radio Times: “I’m not a fan of talent shows. I probably wouldn’t have lasted if I’d gone on one.

“Also, I don’t want to be on television. It’s become boring, arse-paralysingly brain-crippling. I like Simon Cowell, but what he does is TV entertainment.

“TV vaults you to superstardom and then you have to back it up, which is hard. Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke are at the mercy of the next song they can get.”

The series has been under fire after last week’s incident in which Cheryl Cole refused to vote, resulting in Treyc Cohen being sent home.

Programme bosses would not reveal which songs would feature in tonight’s edition of the show.

Tomorrow’s programme will feature a trio of leading chart acts in what is being seen as the battle of the boy bands.

Veteran chart stars Take That will play, as will Westlife and JLS.