X Factor: The Band: ‘Rockstar’ Sven Smith auditions for Simon Cowell

Here’s a first look at tonight’s opening episode of The X Factor: The Band as Sven Smith auditions for the judges.

Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger return to ITV as judges on The X Factor: The Band – where either a girl group or boy band will battle it out to be crowned the nation’s new pop sensations.

The X Factor: The Band goes back to basics in the music business, starting with hopefuls auditioning in Simon’s office at Sony HQ in London where they try out in front of the music mogul, Nicole as well as a panel of industry experts.

One of those singing in tonight’s auditions is 22-year-old Sven Smith.

He confidently declares himself a “rockstar” before singing Jump by Van Halen.

You can watch a first look at Sven’s audition in the video above.

Will Sven get a yes through to the next round?

Acts that make it through the first round of try outs then face the next big challenge – arena auditions in front of thousands in Birmingham.

Simon and Nicole will be joined at the arena by guest judge Leona Lewis, who of course won The X Factor back in 2006.

They will again be joined by other industry experts, including producer Naughty Boy and singer Ella Eyre, who won a Brit award with Rudimental in 2014 for single Waiting All Night.

It will be here that both the boy and girl band will be created by the judges – before the two groups go head-to-head in a live final to battle to win the prize of a life changing and coveted record contract.

The X Factor: The Band will air over four episodes starting TONIGHT – Monday, December 9 at 8:30PM – on ITV.

The series will then continue on Wednesday, December 11 and Friday, December 13 before a live final on Sunday, December 15 at 8PM.

You’ll be able to watch online and catch up via the ITV Hub.