Simon Cowell will reportedly snap up The X Factor's Nicholas McDonald and Rough Copy for his Syco record label - but will not sign Tamera Foster or Luke Friend, despite the plaudits they won from the show's judges.
Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow had been unanimous in tipping Tamera and Luke for future stardom, but it seems that they will not bag immediate record deals once their contracts with the ITV show expire after the upcoming live tour.
However, it is thought that Scottish 17-year-old Nicholas McDonald and semi-finalists Rough Copy have had more luck, and will release albums with Sony later this year.
Luke and Kingsland Road are expected to be snapped up elsewhere, while Tamera has been offered a development deal rather than an outright recording contract.
Speaking to The Sun, an insider said: "No final decisions have yet been taken on who aside from Sam Bailey will get deals. But Cowell and Sony have their eyes on Rough Copy and Nicholas who are likely to get snapped up next month.
"Despite growing through the show, it is looking unlikely Luke will get a deal within Sony, although he is sure to have interest from other companies."
They added: "Other acts like Kingsland Road are sure to bag deals — but they’ll have to wait three months until they can do so."