Rita, 24, was given the extremely difficult task of cutting her 14 girls down to just six – and made some questionable decisions in the process.
Much to fans’ outrage, Rita swapped out firm favourite Lucy Duffield at the last minute, giving her seat to Lauren Murray.
But Monica Michael, 26, has defended Body On Me singer Rita. It was her second attempt at the challenge – judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini sent her home last year – and youth worker Monica appeared on Good Morning Britain today to reveal all.
She said: “At first, I did want Simon [Cowell] as my team leader because I’ve looked up to him ever since I was a little girl.
“Rita didn’t see me when I was on the show let year so it did occur to me that she wouldn’t know how much I’ve grown – whereas Simon would have.
“But she is such a girls’ girl and so powerful. I think she is going to make a great mentor.”
Monica added: “It was really difficult. It was facing your demons.”
After her audition, Monica was playfully scolded by 32-year-old Cheryl. She screamed: “Why couldn’t you have done that for me last year?”
Nick Grimshaw added: “That is exactly what you needed to do. You came in and showed us who you would be as an artist and for me right now you’re the most exciting girl in this competition.”
Monica joins Lauren, Chloe Page, Havva Rebke, Kiera Weathers and Louisa Johnson who will now battle it out at Rita’s judges’ homes round in LA for a place in the live finals.
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