X Factor auditions on Facebook Live
May 24, 2016
In a global first in music television, The X Factor is to become the world’s first talent show to give hopefuls the opportunity to audition on Facebook Live.
The call for auditions was launched on May 24th with returning host Dermot O’Leary recording his own Facebook Live message revealing how budding singers will be able to audition.
Registration will be open until midnight on May 27th, with the auditions taking place with X Factor producers in closed groups on May 29th. If they impress The X Factor team with their vocals, they will then be in with a chance of auditioning in front of The X Factor judges when the judges’ auditions take place in June.
“So if you think you could be the next Louisa Johnson, One Direction, Little Mix, Ella Henderson or Olly Murs, or you know someone you think could be, now it couldn’t be easier to audition,” say show producers.
Since launching in 2015, Facebook Live is increasingly being used by broadcasters to connect with their audiences and add a new dimension to their coverage. To share a live video, you simply have to tap on Update Status and then select the Live Video icon.
Kirsty Hunter, Acting MD at digital media company Shotglass Media, said: “Using Facebook Live will allow our team to see applicants who can’t make it to the existing auditions in person. It gives potential contestants a new way to be involved with the show using the latest technology from one of the most popular social media platforms. We are very excited to be working with Facebook to integrate live video in auditions and throughout the series.”
“We are hugely excited to work with Facebook to make auditioning easier than ever before,” said Mark Brittan, Global Head of Commercial, SYCO Entertainment. “Facebook Live is a brand new platform for us and we have high hopes that it will prove invaluable in unearthing new talent.”
The X Factor will return to ITV later this year alongside sister show, The Xtra Factor on ITV 2.