Westlife star Shane Filan has given X Factor’s Sam Callahan his support despite negative feedback from the judges. Shane, together with Nicole Appleton and Sinitta, helped X Factor judge Louis Walsh decide on Sam as one of his three acts to proceed to the live shows. "Sam has a huge personality," Shane said. "He's funny, honest and cool - his confidence is brilliant. He reminds me of Mark Wahlberg back when he was singing as Marky Mark." "Nobody's perfect - his vocals are strong enough to be on the show or he wouldn't be there, although he may not have the strength in his voice like Nicholas does. "But he has the personality and that's part of being on The X Factor." Shane has given his support to contestant Sam Gary Barlow criticised Sam on last weekend’s show, saying that it was a singing competition and that Sam’s vocals weren’t the best. He added: "I thought the vocals were really exposed. You're not the best singer in this competition and the problem for you is that everyone else is just so much better. However Shane maintains that while Gary knows his stuff, there is more to the competition than simply vocal ability. "You couldn't have anyone better giving advice than Gary Barlow," he said. "But it isn't always about the best vocals; it's about putting on a performance." X Factor returns to our screens this weekend with a Big Band themed show. Sam was criticised by judge Gary Barlow on last week's show