A few weeks ago, rumours rocked The X Factor when it was alleged that the new series was FIXED, with an “inside source” quoted as saying up to two thirds of those who reached the later stages had been prepped and sourced by researchers.
It was suggested that X Factor producers had spent the previous year scouring Instagram and YouTube for likely success stories, and making sure they reached the judges’ houses and beyond.
And so the people watching at home, who are encouraged to enter and win stardom, are at a disadvantage to all the people who have supposedly been hand-picked to make it to the end.
Of course the show strenuously denied all of these allegations, and now there’s been word from some of the contestants themselves.
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An X Factor spokesperson said: “It’s no secret, like many other TV talent shows, we approach people to make them aware of the auditions. Anyone who applies goes through the exact same process.
“All auditions are judged on the performance on the day.”
An industry insider spoke to Digital Spy, saying: “The whole point of X Factor is that it gives anyone the chance to make it. But this series, it’s like only ones cherry-picked by the show have got to judges’ houses.
“It will feel to some like the process is fixed in favour of the ones picked out by staff.”
Digital Spy then reached out to X Factor contestants Leon Mallet, Lloyd Macey and Sam Black to reveal the truth – which seems to suggest that the allegations of fixing are unfounded.
Sam Black said: “Well I definitely didn’t get scouted. Before The X Factor, I’d never even played a gig before so I don’t know how anyone could scout me.
“I didn’t even apply to audition. My girlfriend, sorry fianceé, signed me up online and I didn’t know she had done it!”
Lloyd added: “I wasn’t scouted either. I just went along to an open audition in Cardiff which had been advertised. I went into a room and had to sing in front of a camera, then I had to wait quite a while to find out if I’d made the next round.”
Finally, Leon said: “No I wasn’t scouted either. I only auditioned in the first place because my brother wanted to go for it but didn’t want to audition as a solo artist. So we auditioned together.
“He didn’t get through to the finals unfortunately but he’s been backing me the whole way. He’s so mature for his age. Simon asked him to come back next year so I think he’s going to audition again. He only just turned 19 this year so he’s still got plenty of time to do this.”
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So there we have it! All conspiracy theories and rumours of the show being a fix well and truly debunked.
Although, that’s only three contestants. What about the groups, or the girls, or… oh no, we’re back to square one!