X Factor 2016

Deadlock is one of the signature parts of the show though and although I agree it happens too often it offers the best of both worlds, allowing the judges to rescue a half decent act if the public stuff up and also letting the public get the final say most weeks.

Personally, I hate deadlock. The judges just take it to deadlock to avoid making a decision. Bearing in mind making decisions as to who progresses/goes home is one of the key roles the judges are paid so handsomely for, I think their repeated deadlock usage is a bit of a mick-take.

Now that was an epic stage, the test lighting run-through was amazing

Oh come on. I love The X Factor, but even I understand that the judges have that decision made for them.

I think they have every decision made for them.

Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osborne & Nicole Scherzinger confirmed as the judging panel. Thoughts? Personally feels like a step backwards and them admitting last year just didn't work.

It will be interesting to see if the original X Factor dynamic (+ Nicole) still works 9 years on. Wonder if there'll be a sort of back to basics theme.

Replace Simon with Gary and you're back in 2013. I don't think there is anything wrong in admitting something hasn't worked. They wanted to try something new, it didn't work, go back to what works (sort of). If ratings aren't up this series I think it will just prove the point that the public aren't in love with the show anymore and no amount of changes will change that.

Has the series been renewed? Or is there still talks being held?

The current three year deal 2013 - 2016 was announced in November 2013, so it's likely the new deal with X Factor will be announced in the Autumn. Unless it has been officially confirmed, although a quick search didn't find anything.

I do hope that the Audition Rooms will return to how it was in 2004-2008. No backing music, no over stylised rooms, just the judges and the auditionee and let the audition take it's course.

I do feel that they could win back the viewers they have lost over the years if they go to a Back to Basics approach and I feel Nicole could shine through this too. The Audition Rooms were too much like the Live Auditions when they made a return in the Gary Barlow period.

I read that the arena stage has been withdrawn completely this year.

It really is superfluous if you have audition rooms. So it goes audition room > boot camp > 6 chair > judges houses.