The X Factor Celebrity: The Star-Studded Spectacle Welcome back to X Factor Xplored, where we take a closer look at each season of The X Factor and its impact on British culture. Today, we're diving into the glitz and glam of The X Factor Celebrity. Season Overview * Celebrity Focus: Unlike the brief Battle of the Stars, this was a full series featuring celebrities competing for a real recording contract rather than for charity. * Judges: The judging panel saw the return of Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh, and Simon Cowell. * Simon’s Change of Heart: Despite previously vowing never to do a celebrity edition again, Simon Cowell agreed to this format to fulfill the show’s contract with ITV. * Auditions: Held in LA before producers and an industry panel, followed by performances in front of the judges. * Safe Seat: Introduced during live shows, allowing judges to save a contestant from the public vote. Live Show Contestants 1. Megan McKenna: Reality star from Ex On The Beach, Celebrity Big Brother, and TOWIE. Also had a show about pursuing a country music career in Nashville. 2. No Love Lost: Former Love Island contestants Samira, Eyal, Zara, and Wes. 3. Jenny Ryan: Known as "The Vixen" from The Chase. 4. Max and Harvey: YouTube personalities. 5. Cole and Edwards: Actors from Strictly Come Dancing and Hollyoaks. 6. V5: South American social media influencers. 7. Try Star: Rugby players Levi Davis, Thom Evans, and Ben Foden. 8. Hayley Hasselhoff: Daughter of David Hasselhoff. 9. Jonny Labey: EastEnders actor. 10. Kevin McHale: Actor from Glee. 11. Martin Bashir: Journalist. 12. Olivia Olson: Actress from Love Actually. 13. Ricki Lake: Original Hairspray actress and talk show host. 14. Vinnie Jones: Actor and former footballer. 15. Victoria Ekanoye: Coronation Street actress. Live-Show Moments 1. Pussycat Dolls Comeback: * The Pussycat Dolls made a highly anticipated comeback performance. Nicole Scherzinger reminded everyone of her talent, though the reunion tour was later canceled due to COVID-19. 2. Nicole and Thom Evans: * Nicole Scherzinger and contestant Thom Evans got close during the show and went public with their relationship afterward. They recently announced their engagement. 3. Jenny Ryan: * Known for her intelligence on The Chase, Jenny surprised viewers with her singing talent, especially with her performance of "Rise Like A Phoenix." 4. Vinnie Jones: * Vinnie participated shortly after his wife’s passing, dedicating his first performance to her. 5. Kevin McHale’s Exit: * Controversy arose when Simon Cowell sent home Kevin McHale despite Vinnie Jones expressing a desire to leave. #XFactorXplored #TheXFactor #TheXFactorUK #XFactorCelebrity #LoveIsland #MeganMcKenna #JennyRyan #TheChase #NicoleScherzinger #SimonCowell #LouisWalsh #RealityTV #XFactorAuditions #joesalternativehistory - @joeefoster