Ten songs X Factor would never have the balls for

The X Factor Live on ITV1 (Rex Features)

X Factor's done power ballads - boy, have they done power ballads - they've done country, they've even gone a bit "urban" (we blame Tulisa for that one), but as Popbitch has correctly identified, there are some songs that even a man as evidently, um, self-confident, as Simon Cowell, would never have the hubris to attempt.

In some cases it's because the song is too difficult for your average Mariah-wannabe contestent to attempt (see Mary J Blige's 'No More Drama'), but usually its a bit too cool or weird for Saturday night family television (see Captain Beefheart's 'Sure Nuff N Yes I Do').

Then again, Leona Lewis did once cover the Nine Inch Nails song 'Hurt' on a live show. Perhaps nothing is sacred, after all.