I think he said "potentially world class" - certainly Rhydian is streets ahead of typical reality TV contestants IMO.

If that's true, and I'm not totally convinced it is 100%, then you can't blame the girl. I'm 49, male and straight and I've been going on about him for weeks (out of character for me as well!). There's just something interestingly mesmeric (you see what I did there? ) about the bloke.

I don't think he's praising with his comments
It just sounds like it's dipped in whipped cream for not to make it sounds like harsh

He certainly did, and that was only the second week of the Live Finals. He also called his Bridge Over... performance 'bloody fantastic'. I've never watched X factor before (although it's always been on in the background due to Mrs SGE being a regular viewer) so couldn't answer this, but has he ever said that about any other act?

I think it was after You Raise Me Up, I can't actually remember if he called Leona world-class, but after YRMU he said to Rhydian "There is only one other time I can remember somebody doing what you did, and that was Leona Lewis, last year".

So you call his comments to Leon when he had just lost the final 'not only a brilliant singer but a fantastic guy - a great character who will go far - a world class singer' is not praise.

sounds like you're looking for a partner in this post
But yes, I got it

Here's a link. There are two so I'm not sure in which she says it.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JDRV16Gq-D8

That Rhyd is such a mean bastard

Maybe he did, but I also heard that he slagged him off.
I don't see his praise sorry,no.
Just someone who makes sure to say the right things

How very dare you! Been very happily married for 25 years, have 2 sons, the eldest is the same age as Leon, funnily enough. He can't sing (my son, btw, before anyone gets uppity )

Good for you! I'm a sucker for romance so i'm really happy you're still going strong

I'm 25, male, straight and think Rhydian has been superb

Nice to see you back and in top form SGE

When have you actually seen him slagging Leon off. He never has - that is one of the reasons Hope loved him, because he never had a bad word to say about anyone. Anyway, what is praise if it isn't saying kind words and finding the right thing to say at the right time - should he bow to Leon. He obviously can't do anything right for you so your opinion is clouded.
This is not a criticism of Leon on my part but I am interested to hear your opinion, how do you find the fact that Leon has yet to be seen on tape saying something nice about Rhydian - or is that your idea of real and honest praise, no words or gestures.

I'm not a fan of either boys but I did read nice comments from Leon on his own website and I've seen him on brief news reports and he admires Rhydians voice. I think He said in the Daily Record also that he's very close to him and wants to continue to be.
As I said, to me, both guys are talented but this topic was about Dannii and that's why I replied. I didn't think he was nice there

Rhydian and Leon were friends in the X factor house.
Rhydian has never slagged as you put it Leon.

Leon and Rhyd would hate to here this as they know it is not true.

Does this seem insecurity on Rhyd's part? Although Dannii didnt like him at the start, she's seemingly been nice to him, and was whispering in his ear (probably trying to comfort him) on Xtra Factor, Rhydian has said she's lovely and they shared a kiss (doesnt mean they fancy each other though).

All of this on the same day that Louis brands Dannii 'a fake' and 'an actress'......it's not been a good day for her in the press.

I'm sure Leon has said nice things to the press. He is not as articulate as Rhydian and is still overwhelmed by the live interview situation - that is why he always looks at the floor, he is feeling awkward and embarrassed.
I'm just saying Rhydian gets criticised for being such a lovely guy when asked about the other contestants who I'm sure are touched by his wonderful words. For some people, he can do no right and fault is found where there is none. In this case, it is claimed he is only saying the right thing but doesn't mean it, a claim that is based on no facts whatsoever.

Things aren't black and white so yes, Rhydian has not been portayed nicely in the media, but I do think he's insecure which can put him in trouble if he's not careful. He was hated for no reason to begin with.
Dannii helped him trough and how to handle bad press as she's also hated by some simply for being a sister.
She now shakes it off easily knowing it's nothing to do with her, but I can imagine for Rhydian who's just started, it's a lot harder.

I've never heard Leon say anything unkind about Rhydian. In fact, I've never heard Leon bad-mouthing anyone.

hmm, well we follow press stuff on Rhyd pretty closely in the RAT and I think I can say pretty categorically that Rhydian has never, ever slagged Leon off publically. From what I can tell, neither has Leon about Rhyd. This whole thing is turning into a ridiculous attempt at character assassination.

Indeed they both seem to be nice (in all sences of the word) young lads

Atleast he knows that the praise of Louis and Simon is all that matters.