Gary Barlow: ‘Novelty acts have been booted’ from X Factor

X Factor judge Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh have claimed that the new series launching soon won’t see any novelty acts.

X Factor starts on ITV 1/hd this month and both Gary and Louis have promised that there is more talent than ever before.

Gary Barlow told the Daily Star:“The level of talent feels a real step up from last year,”

“Allowing musicians to play their instruments has made a massive difference.”

“We have a lot more singer-songwriters, a lot more real ­artists. I’m really excited.”

Louis commented: “This is the best year ever.”

“There are a lot less karaoke acts and more real singers. We have a lot less novelty acts.”

Contestants this year have been encouraged to perform their own tracks and play their own instruments during the audition rounds.