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Sam Callahan, the latest contestant to be voted out of The X Factor, has said he is "dead set" on a career in music, despite criticism from the judges.

"People are going to doubt you in this industry," the 19-year-old said.

"I have a belief in myself because I know what I'm capable of when I do the right thing. I believe in my career."

Gary Barlow, one of the show's mentors, had suggested that other contestants had been let go from The X Factor who were better singers than Callahan.

"Even the bits where Gary has a go at you or so-and-so says you're rubbish, any of that stuff, it all goes into this big mixing bowl to make the most amazing experience," said the former contestant.

He added: "The atmosphere and the pressure you're under, I challenge any performer to go through it and not feel it.

"I'll look forward to gigging and not being judged by four really respected music industry gurus."

Callahan also said he was not upset by the negative comments he had received in the press, or from viewers on Twitter.

"I don't think any of it was really too bad. If I was worried about people saying nasty things about me... I wouldn't have come into this. That's this industry.

"I don't think for a minute they're trying to make me out to be one of the joke acts."

The teenager has been rumoured to be in a relationship with fellow contestant, Tamera Foster.

The pair were pictured sharing a duvet while recording the ITV2 spin-off programme, The Xtra Factor.

"We're really really close friends. I can talk to her about anything, she can come talk to me about anything," said Callahan.

"To be honest we've been having a laugh about everything everyone's been saying. It's quite funny."

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