Half of X Factor finalists were scouted by show's researchers

Half of this year's 12 X Factor finalists were invited to audition by the programme's researchers and didn't apply to be on the show.

A spokesperson told BBC Newsbeat that "all acts had to go through the same process but that some had been asked to take part".

X Factor's panel of judges - Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos - had no idea which acts had been approached to audition by producers, according to the spokesperson.

Non-televised auditions were held by the show's researchers prior to the live ones broadcast on ITV. Contestants that were scouted received no guarantee that they would be picked by the judges.

Out of the final 12 acts, six were hand picked prior to being seen by the judges. Jahmene Douglas, 21, was the only act willing to confirm to the BBC that he had been approached rather than applied to be on the show.

"For me it was being found on YouTube but we all went through the same process," he said.

Terms and conditions on the X Factor application form for this series states: "Please note that outside of this application process, acts may also be invited to audition for the programme by researchers acting on behalf of the producer."

"Such acts will be required to go through the audition process and normal programme rules will apply."

This is a new addition to the rules, introduced to help the producers find more talented acts.

Click here or on "View Gallery" to see the finalists in pictures