The X Factor (Pre-Live Shows)

[Bad Wolf]

bloody hell and flipping heck!!! the faith hill song that made everyone cry (myself included- sobed my eyes out) on the x factor that was sung by the blode girl is up to number 4 on ituned - surly as a direct result?????????????

She only got through because of her sob story she wasnt that good

I dont think contestants should be allowed speak about their lives they should only be judged on their singing

i think the theory is, you learn about the sad background of the contestants, you want them to win, you vote more to make them win, and thus line cowells pockets with more money

[Perdita]

GORGEOUS Dannii Minogue is spicing up the X Factor by bringing in Emma Bunton as her judging sidekick.

The Aussie told TV Biz that Baby Spice, 32, has been a godsend when it comes to deciding which wannabes to put through.

Dannii, 36, who is putting the over-25 hopefuls through their paces at her rented pad in the ritzy French resort of St Tropez, said: “She’s been brilliant — one of the best X Factor guest judges ever.

"She really helped me focus on who we should be putting through to the next round.”

The beauty added: “Emma is one of the biggest X Factor fans so she knows the show inside out.”

Each of the ITV1 hit’s four judges is allowed to pick a trusty aide to help them weed out weaker contestants during singing boot camps at the stars’ homes.

And Dannii revealed that she is finding the process heart-breaking.

She admitted: “It’s so hard deciding who to put through and who to send home because it means the world to these people.

“You’re sitting there and you’re in charge of these kids’ hopes and dreams.”

Meanwhile just up the French Riviera’s coast, in Cannes, Cheryl Cole, 25, has turned to Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh, 26, to pick the best of the girls’ category.

Fellow judge Louis Walsh, 56, has picked Westlife singer Shane Filan, 29, as his helper.

The singer has flown out to Louis’ Irish home to give his advice on the shortlist.

And Simon Cowell, 48, has regular sidekick Sinitta, 41, to help him whittle down the lads’ category at his home in Barbados.

Dannii revealed her Baby signing as Britney Spears, 26, put pen to paper to perform on the show — just as The Sun predicted.

Simon Cowell said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have her.

“Everyone wants to work with her because she’s a star. She’s the number one booking in the world at the moment for a show.”

Television’s Mr Nasty added: “The fact that she goes a bit crazy occasionally makes her more interesting. And if she wants to shave her head before she comes on the show, she’s welcome to. I don’t care.”

Britney is just one of a star-studded line-up set for guest performances on the talent quest.

Leona Lewis, 23, will return to the show which made her name when she won the series in 2006.

Last year’s winner Leon Jackson, 19, is also coming back to showcase his new single.

And Girls Aloud are rumoured to be making an appearance.

Meanwhile, Dannii has said she wants Michael Jackson, 50, to join them, alongside Cher, 62, and

Jennifer Aniston’s ex, US blues singer John Mayer, 30

[tammyy2j]

Boyzone have asked Louis Walsh to secure them a coveted performing slot on The X Factor.

The reformed boyband, who release comeback single 'Love You Anyway' on Monday, are keen to follow in the footsteps of Celine Dion, Westlife and Girls Aloud, all of whom performed on the show last year.

Group member Stephen Gately told DS: "We said to him recently, 'Come on Louis, you have to get us on the show for a song'... He'll have to, I'll be disappointed if he doesn't!

"It probably won't be this single, but hopefully we'll do the next one, which is a beautiful ballad that's coming out just before Christmas."

Simon Cowell confirmed earlier this week that Britney Spears is to appear on The X Factor this year.

[Chris_2k11]

7.45 tonight everyone

[Kirsty :]]

Simon Cowell is said to be 'furious' after the names of the final 12 X Factor acts were leaked on the internet.

Show producers had hoped to keep the identities of the finalists under wraps until they were officially announced on the ITV1 talent series next weekend.

However, an unofficial fan site for Rachel Hylton, who wowed the judges in her original audition, correctly named all of the contestants earlier this week. The site's owners were later forced to remove the information after the X Factor legal team intervened.

"Simon Cowell was furious because he knows one of the biggest shows of the series is the 'reveal' of finalists," an insider told the Daily Record. "He doesn't want anyone to ruin it."

An X Factor spokesman said: "Rachel was not aware of the site and she was not involved."

Viewers will see the four judges starting to whittle down the final 150 acts in tonight's first Boot Camp episode, which airs at 7.45pm.

[Hollie-x]

All i know about the judge's categories is that Louis had groups apparently. A woman who i babysit for, her friend's daughter was in a girl group and got through to boot camp and they went to Louis house but never made it through anymore.

I think Louis will be good with the groups 'cause he has quite a few really successful groups of his own.

[Bryan]

tonight's episode is amazing, so much raw talent this year. it's blows last year's contestants dead in the water. The only one I liked last year was Nicki and she is pale in comparison to most this year.

Saying that the only talented ones this year are the girls! How the hell is Cheryl going to pick only 3 of them? so many great ones there! it should just be 12 girls in the final this year!

Rachel - amazing, winner already in my eyes. she has talent, she has balls, she's worldclass.

[Abbie]

I think the best categories that I can see at the moment, are the girls and the groups

[Kirsty :]]

I don't usually like Boot camp, but I was jsut blwon away, they're all amazing!!
I liek Rachel too... but I agree with Simon about the song, I think they'll find it difficulkt to find the right songs for her, but wither way she'll pull it off and more

[Bryan]

I don't usually like Boot camp, but I was jsut blwon away, they're all amazing!!
I liek Rachel too... but I agree with Simon about the song, I think they'll find it difficulkt to find the right songs for her, but wither way she'll pull it off and more

at the end of the day being the x factor winner should be more than just singing other peoples songs, he says he wants some original - she is. if she wrote/performed songs for her albumn they would be original, fresh, exciting. i don't think it's fair she's penalised becuase she doesn't conform to what's already been.

i mean imagine a talent like amy winehouse on the x factor, it would be hard to reign her talent in with singing other people's songs, it would only limit her talents and create mediocre performances