The television phenomenon is back for its fifth series with some new faces and a new batch of wannabe pop stars and Cara Kennedy found out just what those famous judges think of it all.

The X Factor is back and all set to dominate our Saturday nights for the fifth year in a row. The twice BAFTA award winning show has once again travelled the length and breadth of the country searching for Britain’s, as yet undiscovered, musical megastars in the making – and as we all know it makes for gripping viewing. But there’s a major difference this year. Sharon Osbourne, musical mogul and the much-loved mother figure on the show, has left and Cheryl Cole, of Girls Aloud fame, has stepped in to fill her judge’s seat. We caught up with all the judges; the infamous Simon Cowell, the loveable Louis Walsh, the gorgeous Dannii Minogue and new kid on the block Cheryl, to find out what they thought of the auditions they have seen so far. We found out how they feel about the changes to the judges line up and most interestingly what category they want to mentor this year!

Simon, how is The X Factor shaping up this year?
New year, new search and I am feeling optimistic. This is a show where you never know what you are going to find so you are literally jumping in at the deep end. I feel an enormous pressure and tens of thousands of people have turned up. People turn up for this show for one simple reason – they want to change their lives and that’s what it’s all about. If you’re a part of that it’s a fantastic feeling. They can walk in and you have the ability to change their lives forever and that’s a big responsibility.

Louis, how are you feeling to be embarking on your fifth series of The X Factor?
I am really excited, I love doing the show so much. Every year we have such a good laugh and although I am going to really miss Sharon, I’m delighted Cheryl has joined the show, and if the audition filming has been anything to go by we are in for a lot of laughs this year. It really is a big part of my life now and it’s something I always look forward to and get really involved in, even if it can be like living in a soap opera sometimes!

Cheryl how did it feel to sit amongst the judges on your first day?
The night before the first auditions I didn’t sleep a wink. I’ve always been a big fan of the show so I was so excited to be taking part but it was also really weird and scary to think I was going to be a judge. I didn’t know what to expect.

Louis, you discovered Cheryl during Popstars: The Rivals, do you remember her audition?
Of course I do! Cheryl always really stood out for me and to see Girls Aloud still going strong six years later is amazing and a real testament to all their hard work, I’m really proud of Cheryl and all the girls.

Simon, Cheryl is obviously the new big signing to The X Factor this year, what do you think she will bring to the show?
I’ve always wanted Cheryl Cole on this show and I’m glad that she is with us – I think she’s terrific. I think it’s fantastic that you’ve got somebody who has come through a competition like this and who is actually now judging it. She genuinely knows what these contestants feel like and I think that is an incredible dynamic. Cheryl’s a little fighter and I want her to bring honesty to the panel – that’s what she’s here to do.

Cheryl, what kind of judge are you?
I feel a bit uncomfortable about being called a judge. I’d like to think I’m there to give my opinion and advice. Just like I would do when I watch it at home talking to the TV! Don’t get me wrong, I know that’s what I am but it’s strange to get my head around. I really don’t know what kind of judge I am. I try to be honest and tell them what I think but also be fair to their feelings.

Simon, what is your role on the judging panel?
My role is a reality check to everybody. At the end of the day you’ve got to find a recording artist and turn them into a star so just get real and stop putting all the characters through. I’m there to give the correct advice to these people.

Louis, you have had a lot of presents and attention given to you this year from the older female contestants, how does that make you feel?
It’s quite nice, although Simon will take the mickey out of me for days afterwards, and they always seem to be the older ladies not the young ones! It’s when Simon starts handing out my phone number to them that I get annoyed, Beula, from series two still rings me now after Simon gave her my number all those years ago!

What do you look for in an audition?
Dannii: Personality, charm and an unique voice.
Cheryl: To me, the “X Factor” is something that someone has which draws you to them but you can’t quite work out what it is. It’s sometimes just a presence or how they hold themselves. For me it’s not just about being amazing vocally, it’s about a package. There are millions of people out there who can sing but that is it, that’s where it stops and that’s usually why they never make it. A lot of contestants either end up screaming at you because they think it shows they have a powerful voice, or they try to sing with acrobats thinking that will impress us by trying to cram 20 notes into one sentence. This actually gets quite annoying and that’s something we all agree on!
Louis: Obviously they need to sing well but it’s not just about the strength of someone’s voice, you also need to have the performance to go along with it. You want to be able to work with someone that has a great personality as well as a great voice as it just makes our jobs so much easier. I don’t want to work with a wannabe I want to work with someone who really wants to break into the music industry.
Simon: Somebody who is going to be an international star. I want someone who is going to represent this country all over the world over the next 10, 20 years – that’s what I’m looking for. I want somebody who is different and unique I want to find somebody as good as Amy Winehouse – I’d love to do that.

What do you enjoy most about the audition days?
Dannii: I love it when we all are delirious and totally lose it. I feel sorry for the person singing, but it is like being back at school when you just can’t stop yourself!
Cheryl: There are loads of things I love about the audition stages. I like the people who have talent but have had a tough time of it and you know they are there to change their lives and watching their faces when you say yes is an amazing feeling. Also the people that leave the room and you still feel excited because you know they have the potential to be amazing. Sometimes it is like being back at school, you know you shouldn’t laugh and you know it’s wrong but you can’t help it and the more you try not to, the more you want to.
Louis: I just love the banter we all have on the judging panel. Simon and I are the two old blokes who like a particular style of music then you have Dannii and Cheryl who obviously have completely different music tastes so it makes for an interesting day. We are always bickering over acts and who we all prefer.

What are the most memorable auditions this year and why?
Dannii: I am loving the girls category. With Leona’s success it has really given these vocalists a drive to win.
Cheryl: The most memorable auditions for me this year have been a couple of solo girls we’ve seen that were amazing to the point where you go home and continue to think about them. There is also a young boyband we saw that made me immediately want the group category!
Louis: There are a few but Ant and Seb in Cardiff had to be my favourite, we all couldn’t stop laughing because they were so bad but they thought they were so good.

Which city came up with the most talented singers this year?
Dannii: Hands down it was London – and we were not expecting that. Again I think that may be the Leona affect!
Louis: I would say London this year too. We had some really strong acts come through, one group in particular really stood out, and Manchester delivered good talent as it does most years. Cardiff however was a bit of a let down.

Simon, how do you know when you’ve found the one?
I’ll never forget the day that Leona Lewis walked into the audition room and I want to have that same feeling again. It’s not always the obvious ones. You win this show, you make the right record and you can become an international star – it is as simple as that. Leona Lewis is the biggest reality show winner in history. Fact. It’s because of The X Factor and that’s what this show can do for you.

Which category would you like to mentor this year and why?
Dannii: The girls. There is so much good talent to choose from. Really interesting vocalists.
Cheryl: I would want to mentor the groups. Partly because it’s what I have the most experience with as I know exactly what I'm looking for in terms of the dynamics within the group but also a group has never won The X Factor and I would absolutely love to be the first mentor to win it with that category. I also think there is a big gap in the market for a new pop group.
Louis: Well every year I say I don’t want the groups, but we have had a few strong groups come through so I might change my mind this year.
Simon: I don’t care which category I am given as I think I have the ability to find the best in any category – that’s what I do better than any of the judges. Whatever I’m given, I’ll always make the most of it. You can always spot the good in any category. When Leona won, I felt like I won and I want to win this competition again! I think the idea of Dannii winning again this year is unbearable!

Dannii, do you think that Team Minogue can win again this year?

Ab-so-lutely!

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