X Factor Going Back To Basics With Auditions

The X Factor will return to stripped down auditions with no backing tracks or studio audience, The Sun can reveal.

The overhaul has been ordered by boss Simon Cowell to breathe life back into the show - which lost two million viewers last year.

Wannabes will have to face the judges in an “intimate setting” and perform a-cappella, just like in the show’s early days.

But they will then have to impress the judges at a SECOND audition in front of a live audience before getting put through to the Boot Camp stage.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm the audition rooms will be returning to the X Factor as one of a number of exciting changes.”

A senior show source added: “Fans wanted changes this year - and we’re giving them what they want. The a-cappella auditions were classic X Factor and really gave the judges an insight into whether acts were any good. It also better showcased some of the weird and wacky people we get, whose performances got lost in the arena auditions. The plan is to have the best of both worlds.”

X Factor chiefs axed the old audition format in 2009 as part of a bid to make the show more of an event. It worked well for the first couple of years, with the 2010 show finale - won by Matt Cardle won - watched by nearly 20 million, an X Factor record.

But viewers soon started switching off. The Sun first revealed the revamp plans after last year’s final - which received the lowest rating since 2005.

The new format was thrashed out at a meeting of top brass last week, where plans were also discussed to bring Sharon Osbourne back as a judge.

Other tweaks could see the show starting later - in early September.

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Kelly Rowland And Paulina Rubio In Talks To Join Us X Factor

Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio are in talks to join the US X Factor, according to reports.

The Destiny's Child singer and Mexican superstar are said to be in "final negotiations" to replace Britney Spears and L.A. Reid on the singing show's judging panel.

If the women do sign on the dotted line it would make Simon Cowell the show's only male judge.

Pop singer Demi Lovato is set to return for the second season to complete the panel.

Kelly was previously a judge on the UK X Factor in 2011.

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Rylan Clark: ‘I knew my time was up!’

Rylan Clark: ‘I knew my time was up!’

Today is a dark, dark day at XF HQ.

Our favourite Essex eccentric has left the competition and we feel beyond bereft.

In fact, the last time we felt this miserable was on Christmas day when Santa failed to deliver the Barbie 3-story Dreamhouse we’d set our sights on. Yup, things are THAT bad.

Reem-arkable Rylan has been a joy to watch these past eight weeks. From the brilliant banter with Barlow, THAT Jedi snood he wore at Judges’ houses to those pop-tastic performances - he's been the consummate showman since day one!

This morning, we caught up with the fabulous fashionista to talk about his plans for the future (we predict world domination) and why he had an inkling he’d be leaving last night, (thanks to that infamous psychic of his).

Rylan, we’ll miss you and your fake tan. A mahoosive thank you for the music, madness and magic.

You were pretty ill last week...

I’d been really ill with a chest infection all week. I felt rough as old boots. I had a runny nose, a cold sore - the whole shebang! I even felt too poorly to have a spray tan - you know things are dire when that happens!

Were you pleased with your performances on Saturday?

I loved doing that swan dive. I was bricking it, though. The thought of it all going Pete Tong and me breaking both my legs did cross my mind. Imagine leaving the show on crutches?

How do you REALLY feel about being eliminated?

In a sense, I feel relieved. I knew my time was up. I could feel it in my bones. I’ve had a good innings. I met a Spice Girl, flirted with Robbie Williams and got to wear some outrageous outfits.

Did you enjoy the whole experience?

I’ve had the time of my life and made friends that I'll keep forever. My closest friends are Lucy, James and Jahmene but I love them all.

What about Chris?

No comment! Nah, I wish him no ill will. I’m not a spiteful person. If you put out positivity and kindness, you get it back tenfold.

Do you think Gary is to blame for you leaving?

Absolutely not! If anything, our weekly quips at one another probably kept me in the competition. Our banter was entertaining to watch and I secretly really enjoyed it. We both gave it our all and I take my hat off to Gazza, he is the King of one-liners.

How is your glamorous mum?

To get in the mood for ABBA, I took my mum to see Mamma Mia. We had an absolute blast. Now I’m out of the show, I can’t wait to treat her to a shopping trip and beauty treatments in the West End.

What’s next?

Besides singing, I’d love to dabble in fashion and fake tan. I’d love to launch my own shade. It would be a deeper shade of brown, David Dickinson all the way!

Anything else?

I’m performing at G-A-Y with The Spraggan next Saturday. Mark my words, we’ll tear it up Sprylan style! I’m also planning on getting Nicole to come to Essex for a Clark Sunday roast dinner with all the trimmings. I wonder if she’s tried Yorkshire puddings? I’ll also be consulting my trusty psychic - I want her to tell me what’s next in store. I’m all about crystal balls and swinging pendulums!

Lolz! Any messages for your fans?

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for accepting me the way I am. The public support has been invaluable. If it was possible, I’d track down everyone who voted for me and give them a big smacker on the lips by way of thanks.

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James Arthur: ‘I’m not a womaniser, I’m looking for a girlfriend!’

James Arthur: ‘I’m not a womaniser, I’m looking for a girlfriend!’

Blimey! Saturday’s show should’ve come with a health warning.

After James Arthur’s steamy performance of Let’s Get It On, we were left with heart palpitations and an elevated body temperature of epic proportions. In fact, such was his hotness that we needed to cool down by taking an ice-cold shower. Brrr!

Fortunately, we’ve since pulled ourselves together and decided to interview this fine specimen of manhood on your behalf, (you're welcome!).

Here, the talented singer and all-round fittie lifts the lid on ballads, boobs and being a hit with the laydees.

Did you enjoy Saturday’s show?

I did, it was nice to do a fun, light-hearted song. I could feel the love in studio. I took a risk by being so raunchy. Serenading Nicole and Tulisa in the way that I did could have looked seriously tacky and cheesy. Hopefully, I styled it out.

You sooo did!

Thanks, there’s a fine line between being cheesy and making the song credible. It was a hard song to execute, I just hope I did it justice.

The Prof said he’s a mahoosive fan...

Professor Green is amazing. To get support from someone of his stature means so much. He’s phenomenally talented and really respected in the industry. I’d absolutely love to collaborate with him on some music. It would be great to sit down and write some music together. I really look up to him.

How do you keep it real?

I stay true to who I am as an artist. If I didn’t connect with a song, I wouldn’t perform it.

Were you shocked to be in the bottom two the other week?

I’m not the conventional X Factor contestant so I wasn’t surprised to find myself in the bottom two. I’ve bounced back from it - I didn’t want to let the people who voted for me down by being a misery guts. I’m in such a priviliged position and don’t take a second of it for granted.

You’ve been papped with loads of girls recently...

I’m focusing on the competition at the moment. I’ve had a few snogs so far, I’ll leave it at that. When this is all over, I fully intend on pursuing some of the offers I’ve had.

Are you a player?

God, no! I prefer being in a relationship. I’m a serial monogamist and die-hard romantic. I want a girl to look after me. Physically, I like brown eyes, belly button piercings and medium-sized boobs. Although, breasts are brilliant - regardless of their size! I’d say I’m more of a boobs than legs man. On a mental level, I’m looking for someone who is kind, creative and funny.

Good to know! Ever serenaded a girlf?

I have serenaded ladies I’ve been in love with before. I’ve written girls songs. It’s how I used to get girls. My guitar has seen me through lots of relationships!

Who is your fave Finalist?

Jahmene always sticks out. He is a world-class performer. He loves gospel music so a lot of the time he has to compromise by singing songs he’d never normally perform. He does it all with such class.

How is Rylan?

I felt sorry for Rylan. Week after week, he took the blame for all the favourite Finalists going home. It wasn’t his fault and it’s a testament to his good character, that he didn’t snap and throw a hissy fit. He’s a strong character and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

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Week 8 in The X Factor hair salon

Week 8 in The X Factor hair salon - X Factor - hair

Week 8 in The X Factor hair salon See Also  Inside The X Factor Hair Salon with Jamie Stevens  Meet The Style Team: Jamie Stevens on hair! HAIR HOW-TO: Nicole Scherzinger plaited top-knot! Movember madness

It's week 8 in the TRESemmé salon at The X Factor and Jamie catches up with Rylan before he leaves the show to try and settle the bet he won last week, Jaymi's had a colour change and everyone is VERY excited about Rihanna being in the studio!

I was that involved in that last tweet the grammar got all muddled!! That's what #xfactor does! @JamesArthur23 to win for me...pure talent.

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Watch James Arthur sing Hometown Glory by Adele

Watch James Arthur sing Hometown Glory by Adele - X Factor - Live Performances

Watch James Arthur sing Hometown Glory by Adele See Also  Watch James Arthur sing Don’t Speak by No Doubt  Backstage with Talk Talk: James Arthur talks about dream duets and Leonardo DiCaprio  Watch James Arthur sing Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics  Help! James Arthur has lost his sexy specs!   

Flipping heck! Someone’s been eating all their greens in the studio canteen! Just how TALL has James Arthur gotten? Ooh, our bad. He’s actually been suspended mid-air in what appears to be a flashing picture frame. If there was a master-class in how to make a song your own; this would be it.

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Watch District3 sing for survival with Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars

Watch District3 sing for survival with Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars - X Factor - Live Performances

Watch District3 sing for survival with Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars See Also  Watch District3’s best bits!  Watch District3 perform Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton  Watch District3 sing Dynamite by Taio Cruz  Watch District3 sing Every Breath You Take/Beautiful Monster   

Oh nooo! Having found themselves in the bottom two this week, watch as District3 gives it all they've got in a last-ditch attempt to stay in the competition.

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Get The Bronzed Look!

Get the bronzed look! - X Factor - makeup

Get the bronzed look! See Also  Colour popping with Jade  The Rimmel Challenge  Meet The Style Team: Julia Carta on Make Up!  The Glam Cam on Lucy Spraggan   

Julia shows us how to create a bronzed beach babe look for the X Factor backing dancers using Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan.

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Style Secrets: James Arthur used to be an emo!

Style Secrets: James Arthur used to be an emo!

James told us he was an emo between the ages of 17-19 with a long black fringe that went over his eyes; he took style tips from Adam Lazzara and also had loads of MySpace friends. We dug out his myspace page, take a look here.

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