TV

X Factor confirm musical guests for the first live shows

The first performers for next weekend's live shows have been confirmed - it's Liam Payne and Stormzy

Next week is the first of the live shows for this year’s X Factor. And the first musical guests for the series have been confirmed.

Both artists have strong ties to the show.

On Saturday’s live show, the first guest will be Liam Payne.

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The One Direction star turned solo singer met his partner Cheryl on the show way back in 2011, at his first audition.

It’s believed he will perform his latest single Bedroom Floor during Saturday’s show.

And Liam’s performance will be sure to attract lots of attention as it comes just before the release of his debut album.

Then on Sunday, during the results show, the second performer will be Stormzy.

The award-winning grime artist has been on the show this weekend, joining Nicole Sherzinger in South Africa.

Judge Nicole asked him to help her choose her acts at the judges’ houses stage.

And the Big For Your Boots singer drew some new viewers to the show, with plenty of his fans tweeting to admit they had never watched before and were tuning in just to watch him.

However Stormzy was also criticised by plenty of other people, who accused him of “selling out” by appearing on the show.

But judge Nicole was quick to defend her choice.

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“Stormzy is ­credible for me. I love that he’s not what ­people thought I’d have as a guest judge,” she explained.

“I wanted someone relevant and ­current. It doesn’t take away his credibility. It’s showing another side.”

The X Factor live shows start next Saturday at 8.20pm on ITV.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor