The X Factor producers want to see FIVE contestants sent home in the first TWO weeks of live shows, it has been reported today by The Sun.
The first live shows, starting this weekend, will apparently see two acts go home, with three contestants then getting the chop the following weekend.
In a bid to shake things up, producers have dramatically reduced the number of live shows this year.
There will only be six weeks of live shows in total. This year’s new rules will see two contestants from each category performing on the Saturday night with the remaining two performing on Sunday.
With the judges’ three acts each PLUS a wildcard contestant added to each category, a total of 16 contestants will be competing.
At the weekend the judges picked their final acts.
Simon went with Rak-Su, The Cutkelvins, and Sean and Connor Price for the groups, Nicole has chosen Kevin Davy White, Tracy Leanne Jefford and Matt Linnen for her overs, Sharon’s girls are made up of Grace Davies, Holly Tandy and Rai-Elle Williams, and Louis’ boys category has Lloyd Macey, Sam Black and Spencer Sutherland.
The public were then given the power to bring back an eliminated act as the “wildcard”.
With the “wildcard” vote finishing yesterday viewers will discover who has been given a second chance on Saturday’s show.
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An insider at The Sun commented that, “With 16 contestants and only six weeks of live shows to get through, the eliminations are going to be coming thick and fast.
“But this is set to be a very harsh introduction to The X Factor process with so many heading home so quickly.”
Very, very harsh indeed.
In fact, this shocking twist will see the highest number of acts going home in a single week since the 2011 series when judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa sent an act home each.
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This year, however, the power lies in the public’s hands.
The act that fails to secure the public vote will be sent home.
The Sun’s source added, “Producers are still finalising the plans, even with the first live show just days away.
“But this is shaping up to be one of the most brutal series.”
You’re telling us!