Firm favourite Louisa Johnson was crowned the winner of The X Factor last night as the 12th series of the show came to a stuttering halt, marred by weeks of poor ratings, technical glitches, and presenters’ faux pas.

Simon Cowell, plus his new beard, said 1D have made the best album ever as a foursome at the premiere of the first X Factor show in London.

Irish chat-show host, Graham Norton, has made it onto this year’s star-studded TV rich list, alongside X Factor mogul, Simon Cowell, and celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver.

The X Factor unveiled a “new generation” of judges after announcing that Radio 1 breakfast show host Nick Grimshaw and singer Rita Ora will join Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in the next series.

Concerns that up to 1,000 children may have been “trafficked” to the US from the Tuam were raised in 2012, a college student who got seven A1s in the Leaving Certificate believes the system is stacked against the students and O' Connell leaves Munster with IRFU blessing. These are some of the latest and most read news stories on irishexaminer.com this morning.

The X Factor’s Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Louis Walsh “have never liked each other”, Simon Cowell has said.

Simon Cowell will let One Direction go solo, but only one condition.

X Factor Live was a victim of unfortunate timing, the pop circus rolling into Dublin the same week that 2013 winner, Sam Bailey, was released from her record deal with Simon Cowell’s SyCo Records. 

Simon has talked about his plans to retire as a judge on the ITV entertainment contest and now reality star Katie is being tipped to take his seat.

Simon Cowell thinks being a dad is "easy".

X Factor runner-up Fleur East has landed her own record deal with show boss Simon Cowell.

Simon Cowell has vowed to support Mel B through her marital troubles.

Van driver Ben Haenow is on the road to music stardom tonight after he was named winner of The X Factor.

Teenager Lauren Platt is out of next week’s X Factor final leaving the Andrea Faustini, Fleur East and Ben Haenow to prepare for the most important weekend of the competition.

Fleur East ruled the X Factor stage in last night’s semi-final with Simon Cowell hailing her feisty performance as one of the top three in the show’s 10-year history.

Call centre worker Stevi Ritchie was voted off X Factor tonight, leaving only five acts remaining.

Simon Cowell has apologised to Andrea Faustini and Lauren Platt for his harsh criticism.

Simon Cowell asked Ed Sheeran and Ryan Tedder for advice on 'The X Factor'.

Louis Walsh is "sulking" because he's already lost two of his acts on 'The X Factor'.

Simon Cowell has said his son is a “very happy baby”.

X Factor hopeful Scarlett Quinn, who ditched her husband from her double act to get to the next stage of the show, was dumped herself after forgetting the words to her audition song.

Simon Cowell has insisted that being a father will not affect how he judges contestants on the 'X Factor'.

Simon Cowell has congratulated his ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour on her pregnancy.

It is truly terrifying to think that this year’s college entrants were born in the late 90s, making them younger than your first mobile phone. Ed Power looks back at a long lost world    

We've seen quite enough of your chest rug at this stage Simon, thank you.

Simon Cowell appears to have lost his pulling power, with new figures showing almost four million viewers departing the X Factor since he was previously on the show four years ago.

Simon Cowell blames 'Strictly Come Dancing' producers for 'X Factor' clash.

Simon Cowell definitely wants another child.

Simon Cowell says fatherhood hasn't changed his judging style on 'The X Factor'.

Simon Cowell said he was ready for "a ratings battle" after it emerged that The X Factor is going up against Strictly Come Dancing in the TV schedules.

The new series of X Factor kicks off with “a flashback” for a tearful Cheryl Fernandez-Versini when one of her old acts returns in a bid to restart her career.

Yes! Its that time of year again, X Factor starts back this Saturday at 8:30pm on TV3.

Simon Cowell has said he is ready for “a ratings battle” after it emerged The X Factor is going up against Strictly Come Dancing in the TV schedules.

Can Simon and Cheryl rescue the format, or has the TV show had its day? Ed Power reports

TV mogul Simon Cowell has described his fallout with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini as a “nightmare” and admitted that “there was something not quite right” about US X Factor.

TV mogul Simon Cowell has described his fallout with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini as a "nightmare" and admitted that "there was something not quite right" about US X Factor.

Your spoiler free guide to what's on the box tonight.

We just love this softer side of Simon.

Sharon Ní Bheoláin did it and it made the Nine O’Clock News.

Peter Capaldi is set to take on a new villain – in the form of Simon Cowell, when Doctor Who goes head-to-head with The X Factor.

Simon Cowell expects One Direction to break up to pursue solo careers.

Simon Cowell has teamed up with the company behind the Lego movie to bring animated character Betty Boop back to the big screen.

Robert Cowell is hoping the rain stays away from Ascot as he prepares to saddle Goldream in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash at Ascot today.