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This year's X Factor is to bid for a little credibility, as reality show wannabes are permitted to perform their own music on the show for the first time.
The new move is among a string of changes on the upcoming season, which begins on ITV this weekend. The shows 'Overs' category has had its minimum age raised from 25-28 years old, permitting slightly older singers a place in either 'Boys' or 'Girls' category.
Louis Walsh, who is traditionally handed the 'Overs' category, has sung the praises of the more experienced entrants in this year's show, saying there had been an "overwhelming amount of amazing singers in the 'Overs' category".
It has also been announced that the Bootcamp stages and the show's final will take place in Liverpool and Manchester - the first either has taken place outside London.
The show begins on Saturday, 18 August with Nicole Scherzinger joining Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Louis Walsh on the judging panel.
Below: the acts already booted out of this year's X Factor
