In addition to the live auditions, video auditions are now being accepted as a way for acts to get noticed in the first stage of auditions.

Brand new for this year, you can upload a video of yourself or your group performing. It’s your chance to stand out from the crowd and show what you can do.

Video auditions are open to both those who have and haven’t yet applied for this year’s auditions.

Visit the X Factor audition site for more details.

There was a lot of talk last year about the X Factor’s move to ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ style auditions. Many felt it was unfair that the show’s nervous contestants, many of whom were just 16 years old, should have to perform immediately in front of massive crowds.

Those criticisms haven’t been taken to heart, though, and it has now been confirmed that the X Factor 2010 will include live auditions – because it’s thought they lead to better ratings.

“The auditions were criticised but the series as a whole felt much bigger, borne out by the ratings. It was the most successful yet.”, a spokesman for the show was quoted as saying.