In 2010 he apparently described TV talent shows as "arse-paralysingly brain crippling" but now, despite suggesting we'd rather see reality TV show contestants 'assassinated' one by one, Elton John is set to perform at the 2013 X Factor Grand Final.

Yup, it appears Simon Cowell has spared absolutely no expense to ensure that his flailing UK offering stays afloat, shelling out for Elton, Katy Perry, One Direction, Tom Odell and The Killers, who'll make their first EVER X Factor appearance on the live show later this month. Don't worry, Mr Brightside is confirmed to be coming out of his cage for that one.

Elton will be teaming up with judge Gary Barlow to perform their new duet Face to Face, which just so happens to be the next single due for release from Gary's latest album. He flew straight in at number 2 after One Direction in the UK yesterday by the by. It won't be his first X Factor appearance either - he appeared on the Australian offering in 2012.

Word on the street is that Sir Elton may be doing a bit of mentoring along the way too, so we're guessing good pal Sharon Osbourne has been doing a bit of arm twisting there. Meanwhile, Niall Horan's best pal Katy Perry will be on hand to perform for the second time this series,belting out her latest single Unconditionally.

Speaking of Niall, himself and the lads will be dropping by to perform Midnight Memories, the title track from the aforementioned album that kept Gary from nabbing that number one spot. Expect jokes in that vein, and hope beyond hope that the lads really are there and performing live this time: That last pre-recorded looked just the tiniest bit mimed, but of course we can't prove it was so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

And then, to add a bit of authenticity, ala Tulisa Contostavlos screaming 'YOU ARE AN ARTIST JAMES' (we hate to mention the war..), the rather popular and incredibly talented BRIT Award winner Tom Odell will also be on hand to wrap the weekend up. We give it about 5 seconds before people start calling him a sell-out....

In other X Factor related news, Tamera got the boot this weekend. Y'know, just in case you're watching and actually care.