Simon Cowell has been accused of planting a former British pop star in the lineup to become the nation’s sixth American Idol.

Former Take That backup singer Tom Lowe has made it through to the TV singing contest’s Hollywood stage after wowing the judges in Seattle, but he stunned Cowell at the end of his audition by saying, “I was at BMG Records in London at the same time that you were there.”

“It’s really suspicious that they were at the same record company. Simon claims he doesn’t remember him but there’s a feeling among some people that this could be a fix. A career in the States could be worth $195 million so there’s a lot at stake and people aren’t happy,” says a furious fellow contestant.