Here’s a full recap of the opening episode of The X Factor: Celebrity this weekend.
The X Factor returned for 2019 on Saturday (October 12) with a brand new format.
This year sees familiar faces from the world of music, film, sport, television and social media fighting for the chance to be crowned The X Factor 2019 Champion in The X Factor: Celebrity, winning a life changing record deal.
Tonight saw the competition begin as the first batch of celebrity hopefuls left their comfort zones at the door as they battled it out in LA.
Hoping to make the live shows back in London, the celebs performed for this year’s X Factor judges – Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh – and a range of guests from the music industry.
Who got through will be revealed next week – for now, you can watch all the performances below…
The X Factor: Celebrity RECAP!
LOVE ISLAND SUPERGROUP
Song choice: Nothing Holding Me Back by Shawn Mendes [song amz=”https://amzn.to/35txa24″ itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/theres-nothing-holdin-me-back/1440892227?i=1440892573&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
The Love Island supergroup is made up of Wes Nelson, Zara McDermott, Samira Mighty and Eyal Booker.
Simon told them: “For a first audition it was a good performance but it’s finding your distinct sound… but the fact is you can all sing.”
“It was so good!” added Nicole.
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KEVIN MCHALE
Song choice: Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello [song amz=”https://amzn.to/2Bgp7rD” itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/never-be-the-same/1321216767?i=1321217021&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Kevin McHale is an actor best known for his starring role in Glee.
“I loved it, I loved the interpretation,” Louis Walsh said of the performance.
MAX & HARVEY
Song choices: I Don’t Care by Justin Bieber ft Ed Sheeran [song amz=”https://amzn.to/2MzVl65″ itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/i-dont-care/1462426785?i=1462426786&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Sucker by Jonas Brothers [song amz=”https://amzn.to/32c3sfP” itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/sucker/1461478261?i=1461478389&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Max & Harvey are social media stars and CBBC presenters.
After their first song received a lukewarm reception, Nicole asked for another which got the duo a standing ovation.
Simon said: “I thought the second song was in a different league to the first one. You’re fun, you’re likeable… I’m trying to find a negative here.”
COLE AND EDWARDS
Song choice: Love at First Sight by Kylie Minogue [song amz=”https://amzn.to/33nAJEX” itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/love-at-first-sight/697414935?i=697415290&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Cole and Edwards are a duo made up of Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan Cole and actor Jeremy Edwards.
Cole and Edward’s performance was described as a “miscast musical”.
“I like you were there for each other,” Nicole said, adding to Brendan: “I thought you had a lovely voice.”
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MARTIN BASHIR
Song choice: L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole [song amz=”https://amzn.to/319JCAB” itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/l-o-v-e/724356038?i=724357255&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Martin Bashir is a broadcaster and journalist.
Arguably the biggest surprise of the night, Martin got the judges and audience singing along to his performance.
“I feel we got to see a whole other side to you,” praised Nicole.
HAYLEY HASSELHOFF
Song choice: Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi [song amz=”https://amzn.to/35qTrxt” itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/someone-you-loved/1441539148?i=1441539154&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Hayley Hasselhoff is an American actress and model, the daughter of David Hasselhoff.
“I love your presence, I love that confidence about you,” said Nicole.
JENNY RYAN
Song choice: Somebody To Love by Queen [song amz=”https://amzn.to/329nR5i” itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/somebody-to-love/1422700835?i=1422702108&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Jenny Ryan – aka The Vixen – is best known as a star of The Chase.
Jenny got a standing ovation for her cover of Queen with Louis reacting: “Where did that come from?! You’ve got a great voice.”
Simon added simply: “Good for you.”
TRY STAR
Song choice: No Diggity by Dr Dre [song amz=”https://amzn.to/2M7Wym7″ itunes=”https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/no-diggity-feat-dr-dre-queen-pen/1445663051?i=1445663064&app=itunes&at=10lt4w”]
Try Star are a group made up of rugby players Levi Davis, Ben Foden and Thom Evans.
Their performance won rave reviews, with Simon saying: “You know what I love about you guys? You’re very infectious.”
The X Factor: Celebrity continues Saturday nights on ITV.
As well as watching on TV, you’ll be able to watch episodes online and catch up via the ITV Hub.
More on: The X Factor
