The X Factor continues this weekend but before the latest show, we’ve got word on some acts to keep an eye out for.
This series will see the return of the arena auditions at The SSE Arena, Wembley, in front of the judges and a 4,000 strong audience.
Should they get more than three ‘yeses’ they will go through to the judge’s deliberation, where the judges will decide who gets to fight for a seat in the Six Chair Challenge.
Here are some of the acts to look out for…
The Robbie Williams impersonator
One act who took to the stage on The X Factor looked shockingly similar to one of this year’s judges.
“Blobbie Williams looked eerily like my husband, I’m not going to lie,” Ayda said of the contestant. “It was like looking into the future, if he has a year of pies then this is now my husband, Blobbie.”
Anthony Russell
Anthony Russell first auditioned for the show last year but withdrew at judges’ houses for personal reasons. After the show, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson reached out to Anthony before becoming a judge on the show this year.
Ahead of the new series, Simon revealed: “I knew that Louis had reached out to help him with his demons a long time ago. I think it says a lot about the kind of person Louis is, he doesn’t brag about it, he doesn’t talk about it, it’s a very personal thing for him.
“He called me when he saw Anthony’s audition last year and said his story had really touched him and he wanted me to put him in touch with him. Louis genuinely looked after him. Louis didn’t know Anthony was going to come back to the show this year, he just did it because he liked him.
“It’s a side a lot of people are going to find out about Louis, he’s a really kind, generous guy, he really is.”
The one who had the judges in tears
One contestant left the panel – and host Dermot O’Leary – all teary eyed.
Dermot said: “I think for me, it was one of the most emotional moments I’ve seen in auditions. Everyone has had grief, it’s a very powerful emotion but I think it says a lot for him that that performance didn’t spill over too much.
“It wasn’t laced with sentimentality. It was quite raw. Every now and again you see a contestant whose story properly hits home.”
Tom Richards
At the auditions this year, it’s claimed that Louis instantly recognised one singer. According to the Daily Star newspaper, Tom Richards performed for the panel having previously appeared on the show in 2010.
“Y’alright lad? I know ya! You auditioned the same year as me!” reacted Louis.
Back in 2010, Louis first auditioned for the show as a solo artist before being put into One Direction. Tom made it as far as judges’ houses, but didn’t make the cut through to the live shows.
Janice Robinson
Singer Janice Robinson returns to the public eye on The X Factor this year.
The Livin’ Joy singer enjoyed success in the 90s including a Number 1 with hit song Dreamer.
Dermot said of her X Factor audition: “It was one of those great arena moments! I am a fan of the room auditions because I like to see the progression from the room to the arena to judge’s houses, but you can’t deny the impact when a good audition hits home with a live audience and that’s why Simon wanted to go back into the arenas.”
The group who got Ayda twerking
Ayda says she showed off her (sort of) dance skills with one group.
“Gosh, I was so worried about how that twerk would come off because I don’t have a booty,” she spilled. “Those girls had booties for days! Do you know what, that’s what I love about auditions, there’s such a variety of talent.
“They were really walking me through it and I felt really proud to learn how to twerk! I think Teddy will be really excited to know her mummy can twerk! Well, twerk-ish!”
The X Factor returns Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September at 8pm on ITV.
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