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THE X Factor is allowing one hopeful to open the tour this year.

For the first time ever producers are inviting pop wannabes to perform in front of an even harsher judge than Simon Cowell – a paying audience.

 X Factor winners Rak-Su have announced that hopefuls can audition for this year's show by opening the Brighton leg of the tour
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X Factor winners Rak-Su have announced that hopefuls can audition for this year's show by opening the Brighton leg of the tour
 The lads are currently gearing up for this year's tour
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The lads are currently gearing up for this year's tour

Last year’s winners Rak-Su said: “If you apply before March 2nd you will have the opportunity to perform with us onstage in Brighton. So get applying!”

Budding hopefuls are being asked to submit videos of themselves singing for the chance to open the show which will feature 2017 winners Rak-Su, along with the likes of Grace Davies, Kevin Davey White, Lloyd Macey and The Cutkelvins, who are all currently in rehearsals.

The only conditions are is that you have to be 14 or over, and free to sing for a place on the show on Sunday March 4th at The Brighton Centre, if you fancy yourself as the next Leona or James Arthur or Little Mix send a video message to X Factor’s Whatsapp number (07733 222 927).

That’s not the only big change coming this year, as last month Dermot O’Leary confirmed that Cheryl will return.

 The X Factor finalists are currently in rehearsals for this year's tour
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The X Factor finalists are currently in rehearsals for this year's tour
 After performing across the UK the final show in Brighton will see p[op wannabes onstage to audition for this year's show
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After performing across the UK the final show in Brighton will see p[op wannabes onstage to audition for this year's show

Last year, The Sun exclusively revealed how the former Girls Aloud star is set to replace Nicole Scherzinger in a £1.5m X Factor deal to help revive the ITV show’s ratings.

Speaking to Metro, Dermot said: "Cheryl’s going to come back."

The mum-of-one hasn't been on the show full-time since 2015 but made a cameo at Simon Cowell's judges' houses last year.

However, Dermot said that if for some reason Cheryl doesn't return to the judging panel then he'd love to see Mariah Carey take the spot.

 Kevin Davey White looks set to put on a typically raucous performance during the tour
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Kevin Davey White looks set to put on a typically raucous performance during the tour

He added: "If it wasn’t Cheryl, I would love Mariah. It would be a whole new world of crazy my friend!"

Dermot also said viewers could potentially see five judges on the show as Cheryl makes her comeback.

He told new! magazine: "Yep, so that's five judges. There could be five judges. I'd like there to be five judges!

 Singers need to Whatsapp thew show with their videos by March 2nd
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Singers need to Whatsapp thew show with their videos by March 2nd

"My producers probably wouldn't be over the moon, with the time it would take for the five judges to talk. But other than that, yeah, Cheryl, Mariah.

"Get six on there! I'd love that. How great would that be?"

To find out all the ways to apply and audition for next year’s The X Factor, visit our website:


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