Tulisa backs new X Factor 2012 rule change

X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos has backed the show’s recent rule change.

For the first time in the show’s history, acts who already have managers were allowed to audition earlier this year.

This means acts which are professionally represented will appear in this up coming series.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Tulisa commented:

“Just because someone has a manager or experience of the music business doesn’t mean that they are any less deserving of being on a show compared to someone with an ordinary job and no experience,”

“There are so many people out there who are so talented. It doesn’t make it any easier for you to make it. I had a manager for years before making it and it didn’t make things easier for me or make me work less hard.

“It’s been a stigma before – ‘Oh he’s got a manager, he’s in the industry, boot them out’. I think that’s a load of rubbish. We’ve opened the door now and we’ve found more home-grown talent than ever.”

Tulisa also hit back at co-judge Louis Walsh after he branded her as a “Chav” : “When was Westlife’s last number one? Because mine was a couple of weeks ago.”

The X Factor 2012 starts tomorrow at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV 1 HD.