Jedward sign to Universal 24 hours after being dropped by Sony

X Factor twins Jedward have been signed up by Universal, just 24 hours after it was revealed they had been dumped by their former record label.

John and Edward Grimes, 18, were signed to Sony after surviving several weeks on The X Factor, despite being ridiculed for their performances, but it was revealed yesterday that they had been given the boot after their debut single failed to top the charts.

Universal records has rushed to do a deal with manager Louis Walsh, though it's unclear which Universal label the Irish teenagers will be signed to.

Walsh confirmed: "I'm completely committed to Jedward and delighted we've secured them a new deal with Universal."

Jedward are hoping to come to London to finalise the deal within a matter of days.

The X Factor rejects originally signed with Sony in January and spoke of their joy and becoming "like our idols... living our dream".

But their first song, Under Pressure, a duet with Vanilla Ice, was beaten to number one last month by US act Owl City and dropped out of the top 10 a week later.

Jedward failed to top the charts despite benefiting from huge exposure performing the track with the 90s rapper at the National Television Awards.

Walsh said: "I'm completely committed to Jedward and I know they still have a great career ahead of them. The boys have a sell-out tour in Ireland that they start straight after The X Factor Tour in April."

The twins became a national phenomenon on the talent show with their tuneless performances of Ghostbusters, We Will Rock You and Oops, I Did It Again.

Simon Cowell refused to give Jedward a deal with his Syco label and signed X Factor winner Joe McElderry and runner-up Olly Murs instead.