The first week of live shows for The X Factor UK has been set, with the theme, guest performers and a surprise elimination twist revealed. In music news, Cher Lloyd has issued her first U.S. single, One Direction have confirmed their next release, and Joe McElderry says his third album and a Christmas collection are on the way.
Cher Lloyd releases first U.S. single “With Ur Love”
RCAPromo RCA Records Promo
The video for Cher Lloyd’s first U.S. single has been released. “With Ur Love” features Mike Posner.
One Direction announce new single “Got To Be You”
One Direction have confirmed that “Got To Be You” will be the second single lifted from their forthcoming debut album. The track will be available to download on November 13, with the full album scheduled to follow the next week on November 21. Fans can find more details from the original announcement.
Joe McElderry confirms third album and Classic Christmas (11/28)
joemcelderry91 Joe McElderry
#classicchristmas !! On its way!! Been in the studio all day!! 3rd album!!joemcelderry91 Joe McElderry
It’s gonna be all my favourite Christmas songs!! 😀 😀joemcelderry91 Joe McElderry
I love Christmas and now I love it even more!!! 😀
Joe McElderry has confirmed he is working on his third studio album and a Christmas collection titled Classic Christmas, sharing studio updates and enthusiasm for seasonal material with fans.
‘X Factor’ week one theme: UK vs US, with Cee Lo Green guesting
Producers have announced the theme for the first live show: a UK versus US song choice challenge. All 16 contestants will perform tracks drawn from British and American catalogues when the live shows begin Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV1. Special guests supporting the theme include last year’s winner Matt Cardle, who will perform his single “Run For Your Life,” and Cee Lo Green representing the US with a performance of “Cry Baby.”
Surprise elimination: judges to cut a quarter of acts after first live show
A major format change will see four acts eliminated after the opening live shows, reducing the Top 16 by one quarter in a single weekend. There will be no public televote for this round; instead the four mentors—Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos—will each choose one of their own acts to send home during the Sunday-night finale. The move makes this year’s live launch one of the most dramatic in the show’s history.
Judges, contestants and behind-the-scenes headlines
The panel shake-up that introduced Tulisa, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow alongside Louis Walsh initially raised questions about the show’s future, but viewer numbers have remained strong, with audiences warming to the new judging line-up. Coverage ahead of the live shows has highlighted a range of contestant moments—from wardrobe choices and rehearsal anecdotes to personal makeovers.
At rehearsals, Kitty Brucknell drew attention for attempting to avoid photographers, while Amelia Lily debuted a pink hairstyle and Misha Bryan brought a Kelly Rowland bag to the studio. Several teenage contestants have requested more age-appropriate outfits for live shows; Amelia Lily reportedly altered her first-live-show costume after deciding it was too risqué for her age.
Janet Devlin has been photographed after dyeing her hair red and undergoing dental whitening, marking a further transformation in her look. Meanwhile, Gary Barlow has taken a hands-on approach with his acts: he’s reportedly arranged for his nutritionist to work with the boys in his category and encouraged a high-protein, low-carb approach to help them prepare physically for the live stage.
Personality pieces and celebrity activity
There has been plenty of colourful coverage around both contestants and judges. Kitty Brucknell has been described as provocative in her fashion choices, showing up to a press event in a bejewelled bra top and an unusual skirt. Tulisa was photographed managing her young rottweiler while visiting her acts at the contestants’ house. Gary Barlow arrived at the house ready to prepare his team, telling contestants he’d be “on them 24 hours a day.”
Outside The X Factor, Cheryl Cole continues to attract headlines: she is reportedly in talks to present a Channel 4 fashion show and has been seen supporting Kimberley Walsh at a West End performance. Cheryl also posted candid social media images after a night out in London and later expressed some regret about the evening.
Official video: Susan Boyle – “You Have To Be There”
Susan Boyle’s official video for “You Have To Be There,” a cover from Kristina—the musical by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus—has been promoted alongside other releases. (Embedded video content removed for compatibility.)
This round-up collects the latest headlines around The X Factor live shows and related music releases. For full original reports and interviews, refer to the source coverage linked throughout the article.