Simon Cowell's favouritism for Tamera Foster has upset the 'X Factor' judges.
Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne reportedly feel show bosses are doing all they can to help Nicole Scherzinger's act to victory.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "It's all kicked off backstage this week for the first time.
"After Tamera was in the bottom two last week, a lot of people close to Cowell realised there was a serious chance she could get the boot.
"They don't want to let that happen so have been going to extra lengths to make her comfortable. The feeling at Syco is that the only contestant with a chance in hell of becoming a pop star that could sell records is Tamera."
It's noted the rival judges don't have an issue with the 16-year-old singer, but they are angry at her receiving special treatment.
A source added: "It's nothing personal against Tamera, or even Nicole, but the other judges believe every contestant should be treated the same way.
"At the end of the day, it's down to the public to decide who should be voted off and who should win the show.
"Right now, Tamera hasn't connected with the public - a lot of people don't like her attitude."