ITV has announced the pop stars joining the X Factor UK judges for the judges’ houses round of the series.
Simon Cowell has enlisted X Factor alum, Louis Tomlinson, member of the mega hit group, One Direction. It’s been 5 years since the boys finished the competition in 3rd place. Not winning didn’t hurt, as the group went on to worldwide superstardom nevertheless. Ironically, 23 year old Louis will be assisting Simon with the “Overs” category. These are performers over the age of 28, who obviously have a few years on young Louis. He’ll help Simon choose which singers move on to the live shows. Louis is replacing Simon’s pal, Sinitta, who usually aids him at this stage of the game.
Rita Ora has The Girls, and will be assisted by Nashville pop singer and songwriter, Meghan Trainor. She did a stint as adviser to Blake Shelton on The Voice season 8. Nick Grimshaw has enlisted DJ and “Uptown Funk” producer, Mark Ronson to help choose The Boys. Cheryl Fernandez-Versini takes on The Groups with the help of British pop star, Jess Glynne.
The judges houses have been changed up a bit. Producers had planned to air them live for the first time ever, but when that idea was deemed technically unfeasible, they decided to pre-record them elsewhere, but film the RESULTS live in front of the contestant’s friends and family. Not only does that eliminate spoilers, but has the potential for the kind of dramatic TV Simon loves–meltdowns and tears.
Also, rather than film the round in luxury locations around the world, the rounds will probably take place in Britain for practical –and probably financial–reasons. Nick is rumored to be taking his boys to his hometown of Oldham.
‘The X Factor’ continues with the first instalment of the Six Chair Challenge on Sunday, October 4th at 7pm on ITV.
Via Contact Music
