Sore throats, bad song choices and the wrath of Simon Cowell – the Black Country’s X Factor stars are facing a challenging time in tonight’s show.

Schoolboy Liam Payne, aged 17, from Bushbury, Wolverhampton, has revealed to the Express & Star his band One Direction has had a rocky week, experiencing highs and lows over today’s choice of song.

Meanwhile Wolverhampton University student Treyc Cohen says she is hoping she can shake off an ongoing throat problem which has affected her preparations.

And Dudley’s Wagner Carrilho will come face-to-face with Simon Cowell after he claimed the show was fixed in a telephone call to a friend and subsequently made headlines across the country.

Liam said: “We have had a couple of ups and downs this week – which you will see on the show.

“I can’t really say too much, but it has been the most difficult week for us so far.”

Treyc is believed to be singing Led Zeppelin’s classic Stairway to Heaven tonight. The 26-year-old, today promised a knock-out performance – despite still having trouble with her voice.

The songstress from Tamworth has been seeing a throat specialist.

“I’ve had a really busy week,” she said. “I’ve got a big production this week so I have been learning the routine and working the stage – I’ve got a big song again.”

Former PE teacher Wagner, 54, from Pensnett, sparked controversy this week when it was claimed he said he was being set up to fail with silly song choices. He will sing Relax tonight.

By Sunita Patel