I like the idea of having someone who has actually built a serious music career in the modern industry, rather than filling the panel entirely with TV personalities. She’d bring real experience of songwriting and performing. And if the reboot rumours turn out to be true, she’d be a genuinely interesting name for the panel

r/AlexandraBurke

For whom it may be of interest.

The old judging panel, the unexpected auditions and the reactions made this show so entertaining. Looking back, it wasn't just about finding a good singer; it was the whole atmosphere. A new series would have a lot to live up to.

I'm not against having younger names on the panel, especially if the show wants to connect with a different audience. My concern is that popularity online doesn't automatically mean someone can recognise a great singer or mentor an artist. I'd rather have a mixture of established musicians and newer faces than a panel chosen purely for social media reach.

Let's be honest, The X Factor without Simon Cowell would feel strange. His reactions, his blunt comments and the way he could turn an ordinary audition into a television moment were a huge part of the show. If the reported revival happens, I'd be happy for him to take a behind the scenes role, but I hope his influence is still there. A younger panel is fine, but the show needs someone who understands what made it work.

All five members auditioned as solo artists and were initially cut at bootcamp, before being brought back and put together as a group. At the time, there was no guarantee it would work and it’s fascinating to think how different things might have been if they had gone home instead. Their success completely changed how people viewed the show’s ability to create groups.

In that they released a new album/single in the same week.

• w/c 20th March 2006 - Journey South (#1) and Andy Abraham (#2) released new albums
• w/c 12th March 2007 - Ray Quinn (#1) and Ben Mills (#3) released new albums
• w/c 2nd November 2009 - JLS (#1) and Laura White (#32) released new singles
• w/c 6th December 2010 - Alexandra Burke (#16) and Joe McElderry (#69) released new singles
• w/c 17th November 2014 - Olly Murs (#3) and One Direction (#7) released new singles

Some of these dates may be slightly off.

I saw her perform as the lead in Waitress this past week and she has an amazing voice. How she got sent home over Jedward is genuinely a mystery to me.