December 15, 2009 18:30

Simon Cowell: Rage Against The Machine Vs 'X Factor' is 'very Scrooge'

'Joe McElderry will be Number One' claims mogul

Photo Gallery: Rage Against The Machine
Photo: Dean Chalkley

Simon Cowell has branded the Facebook campaign to get Rage Against The Machine to the UK singles Christmas Number One slot ahead of Joe McElderry "very Scrooge".

The X Factor mogul claimed that despite the campaign to get 'Killing In The Name' to the top spot the reality TV show winner would still be victorious.

McElderry's cover of Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb' is set to be released physically today (December 16). Rage Against The Machine had taken an early lead in the chart race this week.

"We've got 500,000 singles going out on Wednesday and Joe WILL be Number One," Cowell told the Daily Star.

He added: "Why not let the kid have his moment? It's all very Scrooge. It's miserable to put down young talent. We should celebrate it. I am! I’ve had a glass of champagne or two."

Cowell had already slammed the campaign previously, branding it "stupid" and "cynical".

Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello issued a rallying call on Twitter, writing, "England! Now is your time!" when he heard about the campaign.

For an interview with Cowell see the new issue of NME, out today (16).