Published: Tue 17 Jul 2018
Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson join Simon Cowell as judges on The X Factor
The X Factor is today thrilled to announce Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson will join Simon Cowell on the new-look judging panel for the hit ITV singing talent show.
The three new judges appeared with Simon at a press conference at Somerset House in central London this afternoon where they were officially revealed.
Robbie is a global superstar who has sold more than 75 million albums over his career and won 18 BRIT Awards - more than any other artist in history. Robbie has been playing to sold out stadiums across the world over the past year on his The Heavy Entertainment Show Tour' - which has seen him perform to more than 1.25 million fans across the UK, Europe and Australasia. Robbie released the platinum-selling The Heavy Entertainment Show' album in November 2016 - it debuted at Number 1 on the UK album chart, giving Williams his 12th Number 1 solo album.
Ayda Williams - actress, presenter and wife to Robbie for eight years - will be competing with her husband to claim the winning spot on this year's show. Ayda has an invaluable inside take on how the music industry works and knows first-hand what it takes to forge a successful career. It is the first time on The X Factor UK that a husband and wife have been judges.
Louis is the first judge to have also been a contestant on the show. As a member of One Direction he has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and achieved more than 100 global No1s. One Direction were the biggest selling UK act globally for three consecutive years and in 2013 they were overall the biggest selling act in the world.
As a solo artist, Louis' single Back to You hit No.1 in 37 countries and has been streamed more than 220 million times. He recently won the 2018 iHeartRadio award for Best Solo Breakout and is currently recording his debut solo album.
Music mogul and show creator Simon has been the mastermind behind some of the music industry's biggest acts from Leona Lewis and One Direction to Little Mix and James Arthur. Acts from The X Factor UK have sold more than 250 million records globally to date.
Simon told the gathered media at the press conference: This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star. The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I'm excited.
Robbie said: For nearly 30 years I've been touring. I've been wanting to branch out and The X Factor felt like the perfect vehicle. Ayda is my rock, she's looked after me through thick and thin. I'm looking forward to getting started as a judge!
Ayda said: On a professional level I've auditioned for years so I know the highs and lows. I know what it takes to help people achieve their dreams. It's all about the auditionees, it's an organic process. The fact I get to work with Rob and against him is fantastic!
Louis said: The X Factor for me made a lot of sense. Development of artists is something I've been interested in for a long time. Having been on the show myself I know first-hand that the live shows are like nothing else you would experience. I'm looking forward to guiding auditonees through the process.
Sharon Osbourne will also return as a judge for The X Factor's live shows while Dermot O'Leary is back as presenter.
Auditions for the 15th series of The X Factor begin at The SSE Arena, Wembley tomorrow (Wednesday July 18).
Audience tickets for the auditions are available via Applause Store at https://www.applausestore.com/book-the-x-factor-judges-auditions-2018
Notes to editors:
The X Factor is a co-production between Syco Entertainment and Thames (part of FremantleMedia UK) for ITV.
The show returns to ITV this autumn.
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Published: Tue 17 Jul 2018
