X Factor's new format

Simon Cowell has revealed a change in the show's auditions...

14:41 16 June 2009

Simon Cowell has announced that the X Factor auditions will now be in front of a live audience as well as the judges.

 

The talent show judge said that having live public support would provide a boost for performers as they appeared on the ITV programme.

 

Fans can apply for tickets to watch the redesigned audition process in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow on ApplauseStore.com.

 

A message on the site reads: "Simon Cowell opens the doors to the Scottish auditions and exclusively invites YOU to join him and all the judges to help them find out who really does have the X Factor 2009."

 

An insider told The Daily Mirror: "Let's not forget that Susan Boyle couldn't handle the pressure. This is certain to make the audition process even more nerve-racking.

 

"Simon Cowell wanted to make big changes to the audition process."

 

The first live audition is on Monday, June 22 in London at 1pm. X Factor will return to ITV1 in August.