X Factor's Facebook auditions

The X Factor has opened auditions on Facebook for this year's series.

The ITV1 talent show recently completed its open auditions tour of six major cities but hopeful singers can still apply through the social networking site up until May 8.

Potential singers and groups simply need to record a video and upload it via the audition tab on the show's Facebook page.

Stand out acts will then be asked to audition in person, and could go on to audition in front of the X Factor judges.

Richard Holloway, Managing Director, Thames, and Executive Producer for The X Factor says: "We want to cast our net as wide as possible to find the best talent the country has to offer and allowing people to enter via Facebook ensures we reach a whole new audience."

Also, in a first for the series, people can enter The X Factor whether they are an amateur artist, have had a management deal in the past or have one now.

The one rule is they must be over 16 at the time of the audition.

It was recently confirmed judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh would all be returning to the show, with Kelly Rowland the only panelist not coming back.