aloud

The media, which had once sought out the glow of his star, now run headlines pointing out that Im’s name, when read aloud, sounds like the word for “debt.”

Girls Aloud are to release a new version of their hit single I'll Stand By You, with the lead vocal sung entirely by their late bandmate Sarah Harding.

Meanwhile, ITV will screen highlights of the recent Girls Aloud tour on 17 November, marking what would have been Harding's 43rd birthday.

"It really is a special celebration of Sarah, and also Girls Aloud's involvement with Children In Need over the years," singer Nadine Coyle said.

While fellow panelist Cheryl Cole — the Girls Aloud member and future mother of Payne’s son, Bear — seemed charmed, Cowell was less certain about Payne’s solo star power.