X Factor judge Kelly Rowland's sore throat leaves a bitter taste

X Factor judge Kelly Rowland, who stayed away from the show last night with a throat infection, is said to have outraged contestants by demanding they try harder.

The former Destiny's Child singer was widely criticised for remaining in the US because of her illness, and in her absence two of her acts had to battle it out in the sing-off.

The judges voted off Sophie Habibis, from north London, after she finished in the bottom two with Misha B, who had been among the favourites to win.

After last night's results show, Rowland said: "I feel what's missing is everybody really don't look like they want it. They got to want it more and take it up a notch. The first week of performances, it was so good. It's dropped down a bit and now it's time to pick it up."

However, a show insider said: "Most people felt Kelly, as a judge, should have been there. Her absence obviously had an effect on her acts. So for her to make these comments smacks of hypocrisy and has left a bitter taste."

Rowland plans to return to the UK this week. The ITV1 talent show continued to suffer in the ratings at the weekend, with BBC1 rival Strictly Come Dancing winning more viewers for a live episode for the first time in four years. Saturday night's X Factor had 11 million viewers and Strictly had 500,000 more.