Tulisa and Louis Walsh turn on X Factor favourite Misha B as they accuse her of 'backstage bullying'

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 12:19 AM on 23rd October 2011

Misha B has been one of the bookies favourites since her first X Factor audition in the summer.

But last night, judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh gave the budding singer, 19, a dressing down when they accused her of 'bullying' other contestants backstage.

Although she has impressed the judges every single week with her powerful performances, the two said they were concerned about her behaviour off-screen.

Lose the attitude: X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos accused contestant Misha B of being 'mean' to fellow finalists backstage

After a stunning rendition of Prince's Purple Rain for the 'Rock Week' theme, Walsh told her: 'Misha, every week you work it, You have a unique voice and you’re a brilliant entertainer. Did you ever see the Tina Turner movie Mad Max…that’s what it reminded me of tonight in a good way.

'You’re very confident, you’re a very confident performer. I hope you’re not too over-confident.'

But Contostavlos went into depth about the teenager's alleged backstage behaviour: 'There is no doubt about it, when it comes to talent you are way up there. Most people they come into the competition and they to be built up and progress but you came as a whole package and you are definitely the star of the show.

'I don't care what happens backstage': Gary Barlow tried to bring the focus of the panel back to Misha's performance

'But I do have one negative this week. I think you are very competitive and I’ve seen a different side of you backstage and you don’t realise that you do it, but in some ways you being so feisty can come across as quite mean to certain contestants and I’ve been told by a few this week there’s been a few mean comments towards them.

'I’m not putting you down but take that feistiness and energy when you get on the stage and leave them all behind. Put aside the attitude.'

Gary Barlow tried to bring back the focus to Misha's performance, saying: 'I don't care what happens backstage and we shouldn't be getting involved in that.

Down: Misha looked upset and lost for words after the judges argued over her performance and backstage behaviour

'I'm looking for an artist, someone to sell albums, and there she is there. Amazing vocals, great vision.'

Her mentor Kelly Rowland vehemently defended Misha: 'We leave things backstage, backstage, but you brought it on stage and you brought it clean and clear and on fire tonight. I am so very proud of you, continue to work hard and you’re supposed to be confident when you go on stage.'

She then turned to Walsh and said: 'I think some of your categories should get some more confidence.'

Walsh then interjected: 'One of my contestants has complained about Misha bullying her backstage.'

Split down the middle: Louis Walsh sided with Tulisa and accused Misha of 'bullying' one of his Over 25 contestants

He declined to say whether it was Kitty Brucknell or Sami Brookes who had made the alleged complaint.

Appearing on ITV2 spin-off show Xtra Factor, Misha admitted 'things get heated' backstage, but said there were 'two sides to every story'.

However, Tulisa remained defiant: 'If she's going to make a bitchy comment to one of my acts backstage, I'm going to express it.'

Rowland took to her Twitter page to stand up for Misha: 'I just want everyone to know that @MishaBRYAN is one of the most gracious and humble girls I know, as are @JanetJealousy and @sophiehabibis!'

'Amazing vocals, great vision': Despite the bullying allegations, none of the judges could fault Misha's performance as she sang Prince's Purple Rain

Tulisa and Walsh's allegations may have been a dirty tactic in a bid to dilute Misha's success on the show, or perhaps it was a bid to spice up the show after X Factor was beaten in the ratings by rival Strictly Come Dancing last week.

Barlow admitted producer Simon Cowell had told the judges to 'up their games' - and given the many arguments between them this week, they certainly proved more entertaining viewing.

As a result of their accusations, 'Tulisa and Louis' ended up trending on Twitter following the show.

And plenty of celebrity fans of the show had their own opinions on the micro-blogging site, with some accusing Tulisa and Walsh of being 'unprofessional' and of 'bullying' Misha by their comments.

Sticking up for Misha: Rowland posted a message of support for her act on her Twitter page after the show

Socialite Tamara Ecclestone wrote: 'I don't think it was right to go into what happens or doesn't happen backstage. What about you?

Former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton said: 'There is no smoke with out fire... However, I do agree with Gary! Shouldn't be brought up at panel should be dealt with behind scenes!'

Hollyoaks actress Claire Cooper fumed: 'Very unprofessional #XFactor bullying live on TV.. 2 wrongs don't make a right.. Switching off.'

Tennis player Boris Becker wrote: 'Misha B is by far the best !!! Don't understand judge Tulisa at all !!!'

While TV presenter Emma Forbes disagreed: 'Loving Tulisa for speaking out to Misha B - very important bit of advice.'

The X Factor results show is on ITV1 at 8pm on Sunday night.