Much like the original decision in America, the UK’s X Factor has announced their judging panel just days before they are due to begin their search for the next big star. With auditions kicking off in Birmingham (England) on Wednesday, it was vital for the producers not to face another delay (following controversy over the roles earlier in the month), meaning that the panel has been hurredly assembled in time for the start of filming.

Following the axing of Danni Minogue (who left to concentrate on her position in Australia’s Got Talent), and the American moves for Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole (although Cheryl’s stay has been a little more short-lived), the only survivor from last year’s series is Irish band manager Louis Walsh (who has been on the panel for almost every episode of the eight seasons of the reality show).

Joining him will be three new faces, all of whom are notable for their singing work in popular bands, featuring Gary Barlow (Take That), Tulisa Contostavlos (N-Dubz), and Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child).

Simon Cowell, who is back in England this week as part of the judging panel for the live shows of Britain’s Got Talent, did not seem too deterred, as he commented on the line-up for his show, saying: “These four are totally up for it, each of them bring a different attitude. ‘They have had a tonne of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star. ‘I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like.”

Of the judges, the long-standing Louis Walsh is excited to be able to show his experience to the three newcomers, stating:  “I’m delighted to be back for my eighth series of The X Factor, it’s my favourite job in the world and I’m really excited this year to work with Gary Barlow and the rest of the new panel. I’m the last original judge standing and I’m determined to find an act that can win this year and show the others how it’s done.”

Gary Barlow, who is reportedly being paid £1.5m per year for the job, added: “I’m extremely excited about working on The X Factor. I’ve always been a fan of the show and always enjoyed performing on it too. My one goal is to find a global superstar. If I don’t find one, I won’t have done my job.”

Tulisa, the youngest of the panel at just 22, expressed her desire to bring ‘freshness’ to the table: “I’m not going to be afraid to speak my mind and mix things up a little. I am hoping to find some hot new talent and mentor a winning category. It is also going to be great to get to know and work alongside the other judges. Let the fireworks begin.”

The new panel will now begin filming auditions across England and the British Isles in an attempt to find the newest singing sensation, with the Birmingham leg of the tour followed by trips to Glasgow (Scotland), Manchester, Cardiff (Wales), London and Liverpool. The first time TV viewers will see the new judges in action is in August, when season eight begins on ITV. Will the new panel be a hit, or will the lack of familiarity (and Cowell) on-screen hit the show’s ratings?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 at 8:15 am and is filed under TV Shows. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.