Rhydian's Phantom: Simon Cowell v Andrew Lloyd Webber

Leon's victory over Rhydian Roberts opens up a new battle for Simon Cowell.

If Rhydian had beaten Leon, then Simon Cowell would have been able to control Rhydian's career in the next year with his so-called "£1 million record contract" - the same value as the winner's contract in 2004 despite three years of inflation.

As Rhydian came second he will now only be contracted to make appearances in the X Factor tour in the first three months of 2008.

Wales on Sunday reports that Rhydian Roberts is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Simon Cowell and Andrew Lloyd Webber to manage his future.

The paper reports that Andrew Lloyd Webber has launched a bid "to snatch tee-total virgin Rhydian from under Cowell’s nose and make him an international stage star".

Lord Lloyd-Webber has been secretly texting Rhydian on his mobile phone as he prepares to bring The Phantom of Manhattan to the stage.

The Phantom of Manhattan musical is presumably based on the 1999 novel written by Frederick Forsyth, intended as a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera - the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, not the original book.

Andrew Lloyd Webber appeared in a clip on Xtra Factor on ITV2 last night telling Rhydian: "You could be a fantastic Phantom."

Today's Sun says that Rhydian has been in talks with Simon Cowell for the past few days about signing for Sony BMG. The deal would be done for at least one album – and could include distribution in the US.

The newspaper adds that Simon is desperate to sign Rhydian before he lands a role with Andrew Lloyd Webber to play in a West End musical.

Rhydian said: “Andrew and I have communicated. My ambition is to play the Phantom at the end of next year.”

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