Simon Cowell Admit Drew’s ‘X Factor’ Performance Was Misguided; Justin Bieber Shows Support

Balladeer Drew Ryniewicz got the boot — along with teen rapper Astro — on “The X Factor” Thursday night, and the 15–year-old singer – though tearful during her elimination – says she wasn’t at all surprised by her exit, as she had a feeling her seated version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” would be her ticket home.

“I told [Simon] in rehearsal — I was like, ‘You know, Simon, if I go home, I’ll be right that I shouldn’t have this chair,’” Drew told Access Hollywood backstage at “The X Factor” elimination on Thursday. “I think going home was a reality hit for both of us.”

Simon agreed, telling Access he realized forcing Drew to sit while performing another slow song was definitely a mistake.

“You’ve got to accept total responsibility, you know? When it works well, you take the applause, and when it goes wrong, you take it on the chin,” he said. “I took it on the chin. I got it wrong. She shouldn’t have been in that position.”

While Drew may have lost her chance at winning the $5 million prize, she’s got the support of Justin Bieber, who sent her an encouraging message on Twitter following her elimination
“Keep yr head up. I lost my 1st competition too,” Justin Tweeted to the teen singer. “This is just the beginning. Never say never.”
As for Astro, also 15, the outspoken rapper was sad to leave the show, but excited for his future.

“I just feel like this is a stepping stone for me,” he told Access. “This was a launch pad for my career. I’m excited. I’m going to put out a lot of music soon. I’m just grateful.”

The New York native will head home to Brooklyn to begin working on new material for his loyal fans, the “astronauts.”

“I’ve got to hide out and re-up on the music,” he said. “I’m definitely going to be doing a lot of promo everywhere. I’m just going to keep pushing out music for all my supporters, all my Astronauts. It won’t stop here.”