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Louis Walsh believes X-Factor is the biggest show on TV, despite the disappointing ratings for the launch show on Saturday.
Speaking to Irish TV, the X-Factor judge again also criticised BBC's rival singing contest The Voice, which is set for a second series next year.
Last year's X-Factor launch show attracted around 10 million viewers, but on Saturday an average of only 8.1 million tuned in for the show's return.
But despite this being the lowest launch viewing figures in six years, the 60-year-old said: “"This is the biggest show of the year - it’s the only show on TV.”
“I wasn’t disappointed with the figures - there were nine million people watching on the warmest day of the year," he added.
The Irishman then went on to make a few digs at The Voice, claiming he wasn't worried by the competition as nobody could even remember who won the BBC talent show this year.
“I was built up for the Voice UK when I saw the judges," he said. "It was a brilliant line up on paper with Tom and Jessie and the guy from The Script. And I thought it was going to be a great show."
He added: “But it was just bad X Factor. The best thing about it was the chairs. Who won the show? The chairs.”
Walsh has criticised The Voice before, poking fun judge Will.i.am's dress sense and his decision to wear a single "silly" glove.
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Saturday's X-Factor launch saw young talent Ella Henderson wow the judges with a song about her late grandfather, and Walsh believes the 16-year-old could go on to win the competition.
“I loved the fact she was original, everything about her. It was almost like finding a new Adele," he said.
“She’s somebody with an original recording voice, somebody who will get a record deal, somebody who will sell records all around the world.
“Ella absolutely stands out. I can see her in the final," he added. "It’s early days, but I can see Ella going all the way.”
It was reported yesterday (21 August) that Spice Girl Mel B may be brought in permanently to replace Nicole Scherzinger on the X-Factor judging panel after her appearance on Saturday's show proved a hit.
Below: is the X Factor bubble about to burst?
