The X Factor UK brings back Sharon Osbourne, introduces new audition format
Credit: ITV
The X Factor UK is introducing some interesting changes for its upcoming 10th season. Though the changes begin at the judging panel, they don't end there.
Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne is officially returning to the show, alongside Take That singer Gary Barlow, US pop star Nicole Scherzinger and manager Louis Walsh. (I'm surprised they got Gary back. The cycle of news reports touting his desire to leave have been out there in the ether since midway into his first season) Award-winning host Dermot O’Leary is also confirmed to return for the 10th season.
As for the competition itself, new changes are in store for the audition phase. For the first time ever, hopefuls will have to go through two sets of auditions. In the first audition, they will sing for the judges face-to-face in an audition room (a round not seen since the earliest seasons of The X Factor, when the audition phase was more reminiscent of the Idol franchise). If they receive three or more yeses, they will advance to the next audition round. In the classic X Factor audition phase, hopefuls will perform in an arena "to prove they can also impress an audience before securing a coveted place at the next stage in the competition."
Show creator Simon Cowell released a statement about Osbourne's return to the long-running singing competition: "Three words I never thought I'd say.... Welcome back Sharon!"
Meanwhile, Osbourne herself, who served as a consultant last season for Louis Walsh's Groups category, spoke up about her return: “I couldn’t be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of X Factor. I can’t wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole, and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!”
Open calls for the auditions have already begun for the 10th season, and the judges will be joining the proceedings starting June 4th in Glasgow, before visiting Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff. This will be followed by the second stage of judges’ arena auditions in July.
Via: ITV Press Release
