Mali-Michael-McCallaX Factor boss Simon Cowell has been BEGGING last years rejected favourite to return and audition for this years series of The X Factor, which is currently being filmed across the country.

16-year-old Mali Michael McCalla dazzled in last years series of the ITV1 talent show, but was sent home when judges ruled he was one year too young at just 15. Bosses expected the youngster to return and be a huge favourite this years, but the teenager has repeatedly turned them down.

Baffled Simon Cowell went one step further, and begged the Londoner in person last week when he appeared at the auditions to support his dad Noel, who was trying out for the over-25′s category.

But yesterday a friend of Mali said he has joined a new boyband named NSA. They have already been in meetings with top producers in the US and look set to sign a £1million pound recording contract. The friend said: “Its the real deal. He doesn’t want to be associated with reality shows any more.”

X Factor judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue return to our screens next month.