‘X-Factor Australia’: New five-seat challenge cruel, fans say

Sunday’s episode of “X-Factor Australia” introduced a new format in whittling down contenders for each of the judges’ teams, which fans found “cruel.”

Several fans took to social media after seeing the new five-seat challenge of “X-Factor Australia,” news.com.au reports. The show’s new section replaced the bootcamp portion of the reality singing series.

Contenders participate in a sing-off wherein successful artists will earn a seat for the next stage of the competition. However, even if the five slots have been filled up, the “X Factor Australia” coach can opt to eject one of the previously chosen artists for another performer.

Such new format was what disappointed the show’s audience. During Sunday’s episode, judge Chris Isaak was reportedly booed and jeered at by the audience when he replaced two young singers who already gained their seats in the challenge. Other viewers also voiced their displeasure over the new five-seat challenge through Twitter, as noted in the aforemntioned website's report.

Catherine Schythe, a fan, reportedly described “X-Factor Australia’s” new format as “horrible” and “unfair,” while viewer Melissa Edwards labeled it “cruel.” Edwards also wrote that she “much prefer the old way of selecting top five.”

Yolanda, another fan, also agreed with Edwards’ post and stated, “I don’t like this ‘swap’ business. #cruel.” Bonnie, also one of the show’s followers, was disappointed with Sunday’s “X-Factor Australia” episode. She wrote, “This is a painful way of making selections. Gotta be a better way! Putting me off watching!”

The five performers who made it through Sunday’s five-seat challenge were Michael Duchesne, Jimmy Davis, Andrew Lambru, Cyrus Villanueva and Big T. The five boys were chosen among 12 performers under Isaak’s team, according to Rickey.org.

Meanwhile, “X-Factor Australia” judge Chris Blunt nearly filled up his five-member team last Sunday. However, the judge reportedly became heartbreakingly indecisive near the end of the episode and agonised over his decisions.

Fans can watch Monday’s “X-Factor Australia” to find out who Blunt will choose as the last member of his team. “X-Factor Australia” will air on Seven Network at 7:30 p.m.

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