'The X Factor' UK wants 'army of Frankie Cocozzas' for next series?
Published Jun 25 2012, 10:45 BST | By Daniel Sperling
X Factor UK bosses are reportedly planning to assemble "an army of Frankie Cocozzas" for this year's live shows.Insiders claim that contestants will be living in a five-star Central London hotel in the hope that they get up to "newsworthy" antics like last year's most controversial singer, who was ejected from the show for allegedly bragging about his drug use.
© Rex Features
© Twitter / The X Factor
"The X Factor is supposed to be a cool programme, with young people having the time of their lives," a source told The Sun.
"Last year it was decidedly flat - only Frankie got up to anything newsworthy and he ended up pushing it too far. But he had the right idea.
"Pop stars don't stay in and 'work on their vocals', that's just rubbish. They go out and get trashed and fall out of nightclubs."
However, the source clarified: "No one is saying we want to be irresponsible, but if you're over 18 you should be allowed to do as you please as long as you keep within the show rules and don't cause problems for anyone else."
Cocozza went on to finish runner-up in Channel 5's second series of Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year after leaving The X Factor.
Auditions for series nine of The X Factor UK are continuing today (June 25) in Cardiff.
I agree with Mike's comment below. I am doubtful that they would risk a bunch of "Frankie's" and make a hash of finding a credible artist. They have to prove "The Voice" has got it wrong with it's concept for a start. They would lose viewers, lose contestants etc etc. This story sounds absolute trash if you ask me. I was at an audition show yesterday and the standard was impressive overall.
June 26th 2012 at 6:35pm
I don't believe this story; there was a huge drop in people watching last year and this coincides with the show more and more concentrating on novelty acts and stories rather than talent. If this show wants to improve on its ratings, they need to return to the original ethos of the show, which is to find a talented singer who has what it takes to succeed.
June 26th 2012 at 12:24pm(+1 like)
"Pop stars don't stay in and 'work on their vocals', that's just rubbish. They go out and get trashed and fall out of nightclubs." What a load of crap!!! Which essentially is what the x factor UK will be if this is true. It was bad enough last year with Gary encouraging Frankie's Drink addiction!!!
June 25th 2012 at 5:20pm(+1 like)
They want 12 finalists who can't sing and behave like trash? Well they're already halfway there, looking and the past few years.
June 25th 2012 at 5:05pm(+2 likes)
Lady Gaga is THE popstar and she seems to have one of the strongest work ethics out there - you fall out of clubs, you end up like Amy Winehouse....
The X Factor's had its day, replace it with something else tbh
June 25th 2012 at 3:45pm(+3 likes)