Simon Cowell’s plan to honour David Bowie and Prince with themed weeks on The X Factor
Talent show guru always wanted Bowie to be on show... now his wish will sort of come true
SIMON COWELL once revealed how DAVID BOWIE was top of his hit list when it came to a dream X Factor line-up.
And now he's got his wish, sort of.
The late great music legend, who died of cancer in January, is set to be the focus of one week of the talent show's live performances.
And he'll be in good company as PRINCE, who passed away in April, will also be honoured.
It'll see contestants tackle a song by each in a bid to stay in the competition and wow the judges.
The plans are being pushed by LOUIS WALSH, who has been trying to convince producers to get it confirmed before the new series launches in three weeks' time.
A TV source said: "Simon is a big fan of Bowie and has never held back his admiration for him.
"But it's actually Louis who has been pushing this. He thinks it would be a fitting tribute to both Prince and David who both sadly left us this year.
"Also, both have a huge repertoire of hits so it'll give the contestants a wide range of songs to choose from.
"There's upbeat stuff and big ballads they can belt out too so it'll be fair on everyone.
"But fans shouldn't get too excited, nothing is set in stone just yet."
Three years ago Simon said how David was one of the rare few who had turned him down.
He said: "It’s no secret I’ve asked him, and he hasn’t said yes yet, but I’ll keep extending the invitation.
"Why Bowie? He’s a legend. He’s a great songwriter, he has massive influence on music today and he’s 100 per cent credible.
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"I’m a fan. Not just of his music but of him, the man. He’s cool. Most of us aren’t. Bowie is."
And while Simon is now a big fan of Prince, they didn't always see eye-to-eye.
Back in 2006, when TV's Mr Nasty was only just becoming a household name, the singer performed on American Idol but refused to meet any of the contestants, winding Simon up.
He said: "It just tells you how selfish he is. He comes on, not a word - 'I'm not gonna sing with anybody else, I'm not gonna say goodbye.' Thank you for your generosity, Prince."
It's Simon's turn to be generous now.
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