Simon Cowell has reportedly banned Niall Horan from appearing as a solo artist on 'The X Factor'.
Simon Cowell
The music mogul - who helped to put Niall's chart-toping band One Direction together - is said to be frustrated with the Irish star and fellow 1D singer Liam Payne after they snubbed Simon's offer of a record deal to instead sign with rival labels.
A source explained: "Simon really thought the 1D boys would show loyalty after he mentored them on the show and made them the huge global success they are. Instead they went behind his back.
"He's not going to be doing them any favours. He knows artists love performing on the show as there are eight million viewers to promote their songs to.
"Niall also chose to do 'The Graham Norton Show'. 'The X Factor' don't like to have acts that have been elsewhere."
Niall's debut single 'This Town' peaked at number nine in the UK and Simon is reportedly unconcerned about having the 23-year-old star appear on the programme.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "The song's already going down the chart. Simon doesn't feel he's missing out."
Meanwhile, Niall is said to have been aware of Simon's stance when he opted to sign with a rival record label.
An insider shared: "They knew when he didn't sign with Syco he wouldn't be appearing on 'The X Factor'. Everyone is totally fine.
"He's extremely proud and grateful for everything 'The X Factor' did for him."
Tagged in Simon Cowell Niall Horan Liam Payne