The X Factor has been doing ok in the ratings so far this year – although viewer figures are inconsistent from week to week.
But the show is about to make a major change to the show’s format that will no doubt have huge implications for the contestants.
Showrunners have decided to axe the judges’ vote from the live shows, meaning the decision of who stays – and who goes home – rests entirely with the viewers.
It’s the biggest revamp The X Factor has had in years, and it also means that the dreaded sing-off will also be discarded.
From now, the contestant with the lowest number of votes will be off – and that’s that!
The revolutionary changes are due to be implemented after it was revealed in the Sun that acts will now perform on both Saturday AND Sunday evenings.
One act will now be booted out per episode, to keep the drama and tension as high as possible.
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A source at The X Factor told the Sun: “The sing-off had been popular but Simon believed that it had become sour and focused too much on who was leaving rather than championing the talent who was in the lead.”
“He wants to celebrate the best acts on the show rather than give screen time to the less popular performers who haven’t struck a chord with the public.
“It does mean though that there is little point in the judges being there, apart from offering their opinion. They will have no direct impact on who goes or who stays.
“But bosses hope the huge changes will boost interest in the programme and keep viewers watching.”
It’s a drastic move from producers, who were dismayed when the series’ premier pulled in the fewest number of viewers since the show debuted in 2004.
And now instead of performing on Saturday and then learning their fate on Sunday, singers will have to perform both nights to get the public on their side.
Further changes include a celebrity performance on Saturday and Sunday, with stars this week including X Factor alumni Liam Payne, and grime superstar Stormzy.
In the first live show on Saturday, viewers will also find out the results of their “Wildcard” vote, which will see four previously rejected acts return.
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This is definitely going to shake things up, we can’t wait to see how the contestants will deal with all the changes!