Austin Drage - X Factor 2008

Well this is a turn up for the books. Former X Factor contestant Austin Drage has thanked Simon Cowell, even though many would suggest that Cowell neglected him during his time on the show last year.

Drage told BBC Newsbeat that even though Cowell hadn’t been in touch since he left the show, he understood that he is a busy man.

Drage said: “Simon’s a busy guy. He’s a multi-millionaire, in a multi-million pound company. He’s very hard to get hold of because he’s got a lot of things to do, which we all understood.

“I understand he’s got the new X Factor coming out, Britain’s Got Talent and he’s got it all going on in America as well. I understand he’s busy.”

He added: “When you’re working hard, that’s what happens. None of us hold it against him. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am, so he’s one of the biggest people I’ve got to thank.

“I’m in no way, shape or form sort of angry at the show. I’m just pleased that I’ve been given an opportunity to get my voice heard. I really appreciate it.”

Drage is still performing regularly and is planning to release some new material on his own record label and has been working with people who have collaborated with Lily Allen and Tinchy Stryder.