What kind of judge are you?
I’d say I am a fair judge. I’m not afraid to say what I don’t like and will fight for someone I believe in. I love to spot talent and my favourite part is he live shows where I can work with the contestants to give them the chance to “live their dream”.
What have you enjoyed most about the new look audition days?
I love the live audience. They create a magic buzz in the room which even gives the judges tingles of nerves before the contestants have stepped on stage. This is the first year the judges have been able to glimpse if someone has performance skills this early. It quickly separates the ones who love the stage, the ones who are born for it, and the ones where you envisage a trapdoor actually being helpful!
Any memorable auditions this year and why?
We’ve had an amazing Afro rocker and he totally took over the stage! His first performance was pure perfection, and his second bordered on scenes from the movie classic ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ - TV Gold!
Which city came up with the most talented singers this year?
London, by a mile.
Any bad auditions this year?
We have one act, I would have to class her as the most memorable and my favourite bad singer. DO NOT MISS HER! Wait...there is more.... we have a man who thinks he is Freddie Mercury and is bizarrely unmissable!
Are you pleased everyone is all back for series 6?
I am loving it. There is a great vibe on set, with lots of hysterical laughing and even Louis and I have made up!
What do you look for in an audition?
I love the mix of talent with a confident personality, while also being humble and showing a vulnerable side. It takes a lot of guts to get up there and the more they show me who they are and let me into their world, I am hooked. Its not about being perfect, just being fabulously unique.
Who on the Judging panel do you find you mostly agree with?
This year I feel we have all had our own strong opinion and we have each pleaded for another judge to say a ‘yes’ so we can get someone through that we believe in. Hopefully this way, no talent has been left behind.
Which category would you like to mentor this year and why?
Every category has strong contenders, but I feel passionate about the girls. They have gone under the radar so far, but I believe some stand out performances
are about to happen.
In your view, what is The X Factor?
Its something you can’t describe or bottle, but you know when you see or hear it.
Will you be having any celebrity friends help you at Judges’ Houses this year?
Of course. That is crunch time for deciding the final three for Team Minogue, so its very important to get it right and have someone to bounce off - I just can’t tell you who yet!
