Lorde, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding to Back Contestant After Humiliation on X-Factor New Zealand

Ed Sheeran posted on Twitter airing his support to bullied X-Factor New Zealand contestant, Joe Irvine who is openly attacked by two judges Natalie Kills and Willy Moon, Independent UK said.

On a Tweet on Monday, the British singer said: "@jooe63_joe don't worry about what anyone else says man. Enjoy yourself with it, that's what singing is about, not what other people think."

Sheeran is referring to Sunday's episode of X-Factor New Zealand when Joe Irvine performed "Cry Me A River."

After the performance, video footages of the episode show Kills making passionate, derogatory comments against the contestant who is on the verge of tears.

"Do you not have any value or respect for originality?" Natalie Kills said further asserting that Irvine is a 'doppelganger' of her husband, Willy Moon as the former is said to have copied Willy's hairstyle, suit and style. She further described him as "cheesy", "creepy" and "disgusting."

"I feel like you're going to stitch someone's skin to your face and then kill everyone in the audience," Moon supported his wife's tirade as cited by Billboard.

The musician couple is then fired hours later by TV3 with an announcement on their Facebook page saying that they did not support the judges' act of bullying to a contestant.

"Following tonight's episode of The X Factor NZ we received a huge amount of feedback about comments made by our judges. The nature of live television can be unpredictable and we appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinion. TV3 does not condone bullying and are currently on-site with Joe who is doing well," the announcement said.

Other celebrities sympathized Joe Irvin and echoed Ed Sheeran's opinion.

As cited by Sydney Morning Herald, award-winning singer, Ellie Goulding also posted saying, "Can't stop myself from commenting on NZ X factor situation because I can't stop thinking about how mean it was. Thank goodness they're gone."

She went on saying, "Thankgod I don't know who she is , but she's cruel!! It's our Human responsibility to treat people with empathy , compassion & kindness, How amazing is Melanie Blatt she was the only one to defend Joe on TV ! Let's hope Joe wins this show !!"

Meanwhile, Joe Irvin posted a Tweet thanking everybody's support, New Zealand Herald said.

"Thank you all so much I'm so exhausted I've tried to read every1s messages you are all amazing."

Joe Irvin is safe for this week and is ready for the next battle rounds.