X Factor The Band - What is going on with the talent show?

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What's going on behind the scenes at X Factor?

Simon Cowell has been making changes, and there's a whiff of drama.

simon cowell, the x factor celebrity
ITV

We wouldn't blame you if you were a little confused about what's going on with The X Factor right now.

You may have heard whisperings of axed shows, rivalries with Little Mix and a new K-Pop-focused series.

With that in mind, here's the lowdown on what's happening over at X Factor HQ.

simon cowell, britain's got talent
Rex

What happened to X Factor All Stars?

There were originally going to be two series of The X Factor this year – the current celebrity edition and an 'All Stars' version, featuring some of the biggest contestants from vintage seasons.

But it's now been confirmed that the latter has been scrapped.

Speaking to The Sun, Simon Cowell instead unveiled a new show called X Factor: The Band, which aims to find a new girl and boy group. Auditions will begin soon and the show will air next month.

X Factor Celebrity judges
ITV

He played down rumours of ITV wanting to drop the 'All Stars' format, stating that a new deal has been agreed regarding X Factor and Britain's Got Talent and should be announced soon.

"There is every possibility next year there could be three X Factor shows – Celebrity, All Stars and another group show," he added.

What is X Factor: The Band?

At first glance, Simon's new show appears to just be The X Factor without soloists.

But he has a specific aim for the spin-off, and that's to replicate the success of K-Pop group BTS.

"K-Pop is ruling the world," he told The Sun. "This is a show to find a band to launch UK-Pop. It's more than winning a record contract, it's starting a new music wave."

Suit, Formal wear, Tuxedo, Red carpet, Carpet, Premiere, Event, Flooring, White-collar worker,
Getty Images

What's happening backstage at The X Factor?

The ratings for The X Factor: Celebrity have been hit-and-miss, with ratings dropping from the initial auditions to the first live episode.

As reported by Telly Mix, only 3.5 million viewers tuned in on October 26, making it the least-watched live show ever in overnight ratings (although it did perform well in the 16-34 demographic).

Now there are rumours that claim Simon has mixed the backstage team up in a bid to improve things. A source told the Daily Star: "It's not uncommon for creative teams to change throughout a series run. And that means making tough decisions."

The X Factor No Love Lost
ITV

He also has Little Mix's rival show – BBC series The Search – to contend with. The group split from his record label Syco last year.

The media mogul told The Sun: "I was approached to co-produce that show last year by Little Mix's management.

"I told them the problem was we have a conflict of interest because we are launching X Factor: The Band in 2020. We were told their show was going to launch in 2021. Then we had the fall out and find out Little Mix were bringing their show forward.

"Was that intentional because we are doing our show? I have no idea. But regardless, it was too much fun not to do this year. I would rather it was us doing it first. It 100% makes it more exciting there being a battle."

jade thirlwall, leigh anne pinnock, perrie edwards and jesy nelson of little mix perform september 2019
Joseph Okpako/WireImageGetty Images

What is Little Mix's show all about?

Little Mix: The Search will see Jade Thirlwall, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards find singers to form all-female, all-male and mixed bands.

The groups will live together and be mentored by Little Mix, as well as vocal coaches, songwriters, producers and stylists.

As for the prize, the girls have confirmed that the winners will join them on their summer tour next year.

The series will be seven episodes long and will air on Saturdays on BBC One in 2020.

With the shows seemingly going head-to-head, we're intrigued to see whether X Factor will revitalise itself or whether Little Mix's fresh new format will be a winner.

Who stays, you decide.

X Factor airs on ITV.


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