Rock god Brian May backs the X Factor twins

They have been battered from pillar to post, but X Factor twins John and Edward have finally received a royal pardon. The pair have found some unlikely support in the (unmistakeable) shape of Queen legend Brian May.

By appointment: John and Edward have been given the unlikely support of Queen's Brian May

John and Edward murdered Brian's hit We Will Rock You on Saturday night, but the frizzy-haired guitar god said: "A composer will never complain about someone singing their song, unless they turn it into something racist or disgusting.

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"They sang it and gave it all of their energy and, as far as I can see, it was a good production... and damn good luck to them."

Brian, 62, was at the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour awards the Park Lane Hotel last night, where he added: "I saw it. Not when it was on, but obviously people send me stuff. I opened a link and there they were, these young boys.

"You'd expect me to slag them off but, you know what, they're singing my song — for which I thank them."

The guitarist also corrected Simon Cowell, adding: "Simon said it's going to ruin [Queen's] career, but I think our career's safe. Simon, we're all right. We can stand it. It's because people do our stuff that we celebrate. Why would we complain?"

Gallery: Classic Rock Awards

However, X Factor choreographer Brian Friedman was less than complimentary about the teenage twins.

Speaking at the launch of the Red Room around the corner in Mayfair last night, he said: "They are a handful to work with, I just can't believe that people keep voting for them."