X Factor: Insiders fear Simon Cowell’s verbal bashing has gone too far

Mirror.co.uk :    He’s famous for his acid put-downs, but this time insiders fear X Factor judge Simon Cowell may have gone too far.

Concerns are being raised after wannabe Annastasia Baker, who is known to be a “vulnerable” contestant, was put through to the boot camp stage – despite getting a verbal bashing from the music mogul.

Viewers will see him tell her on tonight’s show: “This is like one of these terrible Tina Turner tribute acts. I’ve seen trannies do better versions.”

Annastasia, 21, got through to the judges’ houses stage in 2008 but had a meltdown in front of the cameras after messing up her final audition.

Mentor Cheryl Cole was so concerned about her mental welfare she decided NOT to put her through to the live finals, saying: “You absolutely fell apart in front of my eyes. That would be a worry for me.”

But Annastasia returned to try again this year – and has again been put through by Cowell and fellow judges Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole.

The controversial move follows a stinging barrage of criticism from Cowell, who then acknowledges that she looks “very, very stressed”.

But last night show sources said the decision could backfire on producers already accused of “exploiting” Shirlena Johnson who was put through then axed over her mental health issues. One insider said: “You have to ask the question whether Annastasia is strong enough mentally after last time.

“If there is even the slightest doubt, they have a responsibility not to put her through.”

Speaking about her problems after being booted off the show two years ago, Annastasia said: “At the time I just didn’t realise I had post-natal depression. If I had I’m not sure I’d have put myself through the X Factor.

“While we were in Cannes I just lost it.”

During her latest London audition, watched by the Mirror, Cowell demands that she take off her shoes after she sang Tina Turner’s Proud Mary.

He also blasts her hair and makeup for making her look like a drag tribute act. He says: “It’s like you’ve come in a costume. It’s all got to be scraped away.

“I want to start with a blank piece of paper.” Annastasia then sings Adele’s Make You Feel My Love, and Cowell he says: “That was a million times better.”

But he warns she will be pushed to her limit again and adds: “This category is very, very tough this year.”

The young mum was put through on the understanding she would revamp her image.

But experts are now questioning the effectiveness of the show’s vetting procedures.

A Talkback Thames spokeswoman insisted last night: “The welfare of contestants is of
paramount importance to us. Annastasia is deemed fit and well to take part in the show.”