SHARON OSBOURNE has already drawn up the battle lines on the new X Factor judging panel — using her gigantic gob to overshadow Nicole Scherzinger.
As the new series — set to air on ITV in August — shapes up to be the most brutal yet, mouthy Shazza dominated the first day of auditions as wannabes were slammed and shamed during a marathon TEN-HOUR audition.The judge, who is back on the show after quitting in 2007, eclipsed the returning ex-Pussycat Doll — despite Nicole coaching last series’ winner James Arthur.
Less than half of the 50 hopefuls were invited back to the next round as dreams were dashed during trials at Glasgow’s Hilton hotel on Tuesday.
TV Biz can reveal one of those hoping for a break was Scottish contestant Jade Richards, who returned for a THIRD attempt at success.
Jade made it to the judges’ houses in 2011, jetting to Miami with Kelly Rowland, before getting the boot and trying again last year.
This time, she faced an extra-tough panel, with judges under orders from Simon Cowell to improve the quality of singers after last year’s series lost three million viewers. And the panel aren’t hiding their feelings. At one point Sharon cackled so hard at a rubbish singer she FELL OFF her chair.
The cosmetic surgery fan also had the rest of the panel — Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow — in stitches after a tree surgeon came on to audition and she remarked: “Ooh, I love a good surgeon!”
A source said: “Sharon certainly made the most of her comeback. She sat in the middle of the panel and had something flamboyant to say about every act.”
The antics left Nicole fighting to get a word in, while Gary and Louis “chuckled”. The source added: “Nicole enjoyed being the wacky one who would say silly things and get loads of attention last year. But in Glasgow she struggled to get into the limelight as Sharon was always hogging it.
“Nicole likes Sharon but has got to raise her game or she’ll end up on the cutting room floor.”
The four head to Birmingham on Monday for the second round of auditions, held only in front of the judges.
Those successful will be invited back to a second audition with an audience.
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