X Factor winners Rak-Su reveal one 2018 hopeful can perform live onstage during this year’s tour before next series

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.

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.

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.

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!

"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.