X Factor microphones 'turned down for twins'

X Factor twins John and Edward were at the centre of "fix" claims today following reports that soundmen have been ordered to mask their weak vocals.

The Irish 18-year-olds - whose lack of singing talent has sparked criticism of the ITV show - received some of their highest praise from judges following their rendition of Queen's Under Pressure on Saturday night.

But according to reports, technicians were ordered to lower the levels on their microphones so their voices were drowned out by a pre-recorded backing track.

Show chiefs responded to the allegations today to say contestants had "technical support".

The Sun today quoted a programme source who claimed: "Every week session singers record backing tracks to some songs. But soundmen are told to turn down the levels of the twins' mics so their vocals are mostly covered by the backing singers. Often mics are so low the twins' singing would be barely audible."

However, a spokeswoman for production company talkbackThames said all X Factor hopefuls receive an "equal amount" of technical help for their live performances.

She said: "All contestants sing live on Saturday night and all are given an equal amount of technical support to ensure they give the best live performance they can.

"Technical support is standard for all artists when giving live vocal performances."

It is not the first time the twins have been at the centre of controversy.

The show was criticised after they survived their sing-off against Lucie Jones when judge Simon Cowell controversially let the judges' vote go to deadlock. It meant the public votes saved the pair.

And at the weekend chart act Calvin Harris crashed the stage with a pineapple on his head during John and Edward's performance, later claiming he did it to "make a mockery" of the competition and its "terrible" music.