A publicity stunt, Mel helped throw Paul under the bus, for someone who allegedly supports her act, she was more than happy to promote the impression that he was uncooperative and difficult over song choices, which were totally unsuitable, as did Cheryl, reminding him to take notice of his mentor. It was taking notice that cost him his place, together with the hatchet job Cowell instigated.
He has the talent, what he lacked was the cute factor, and a decent sob story.
All the judges have to toe the Cowell line to keep their jobs. Gary believed in talent alone, I doubt he would have agreed or gone along with the blatant manipulation, no wonder he didn't, want to stay, and cowell didn't want him in the first place.