The X Factor: Celebrity begins its live shows tonight – who’s taking part and how does it all work?
The new-look show brings together stars from the worlds of music, film, sport, television and social media as they compete to win a life-changing recording contract.
Celebrity X Factor kicked off earlier this month in Los Angeles where the celebrities first met at The X Factor’s palatial HQ and auditioned for judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh.
Hosted by Mr Saturday Night himself, Dermot O’Leary, tonight will see the live shows begin on ITV from 8:20PM.
This evening the thirteen acts through will all sing live for both judges and viewers.
You’ll be able to vote for your favourite as in past years but in a change for 2019, voting will take place ONLY via the X Factor app – so make sure you download it via the app store on iOS here and Android here.
ITV said: “We think this internet thing is here to stay so we’re making voting DIGITAL. This is important to know, as some weeks you will ONLY be able to vote through the app! No more phone calls, or texting like it’s 2005, just boot up the app and (after a couple more steps) BOOM vote placed, it’s as simple as that.”
Alongside the new digital voting, the results will be revealed live on Saturday night. There will be no X Factor on Sunday nights for the first time in ten years.
So who will be performing?
Just like in the main show, each judge has been given a category to mentor.
Louis Walsh has the Unders made up of EastEnders actor Jonny Labey, Glee star Kevin McHale, American actress Olivia Olson and reality TV personality Megan McKenna.
Nicole Scherzinger is in charge of the Overs, with her category including Coronation Street actress Victoria Ekanoye, American actress and chat show host Ricki Lake, TV newsreader and journalist Martin Bashir and footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones. They’re joined by returning The Chase’s Jenny Ryan.
Finally, Simon Cowell is mentoring the groups made up of rugby trio Try Star, Love Island supergroup No Love Lost, social media influencers V5 and duo Max & Harvey.
Meanwhile, free tickets to be in the audience for The X Factor live shows have been released.
For free tickets to the studio, filmed at LH2 Studios, London W3, apply online via the Applause Store website.
Tickets are given out randomly and you must be at least 12 years old. Those aged 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
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