Melanie Masson: Do you have the X Factor? Yes – and a job in the biz

Melanie Masson's X Factor audition on Saturday was the show's big talking point, not just because of her powerful version of Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby", but because the "hopeful" already has an established music career.

Although she described herself as a mother and a music teacher, Masson has spent the past 15 years as a session singer with the likes of Kasabian and once had a record contract with EMI.

The audition left some asking if, after years of TV talent shows, there are any real aspiring pop stars left out there.

Lucy Spraggan, another of this year's crop, saw her song disappear from iTunes when it looked like it was going to No 1 (beating last year's winners, Little Mix), before the show had even started properly.

There was more contestant controversy in 2010, when Katie Waissel had already had a record deal and John Adeleye had previously won a Mobo award.

The effect is a show that looks less like amateurs chasing dreams and more like session musicians getting a second chance. Will the viewers still be impressed?