The X Factor Judges Reveal All About New Show! - MTV UK

It's almost time to face the music & we can't wait for the new series...

The X Factor judges have revealed all about their experiences on the UK's most famous panel so far, ahead of the new series premiere on Saturday, 20th August.

Despite the departure of XF favourites Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue, the show still promises to take viewers on a roller-coaster ride as the new generation of judges travel the country to find the next superstar.

Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland has claimed that she hopes to discover the next Leona Lewis, stating in a press release: "There is no reason why the UK X Factor winner can't make it all over the world."

She continued: "Leona Lewis is a great example of that. The UK just has such amazing talent, your artists are all over our US charts right now and we love them."

Kelly's fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos revealed that she is looking for three simple qualities when it comes to her winner, stating that "talent, likeability and ambition" are likely to catch her eye, as well as someone who "stands out from the crowd."

The N-Dubz singer also confessed that if she was ever to audition for The X Factor, she would: "Write my own song to show I was a writer as well as an artist."

Louis Walsh - the only surviving member of the original panel - went on to confess that he didn't know who Tulisa was before working alongside her on the programme.

The Irish music mogul admitted: "I didn't really know who Tulisa was before but I feel like I have known her all my life, she's so real and has had an incredible life. I think she'll be a huge upset to the panel."

Walsh went on to joke that Cowell's replacement Gary Barlow pinched his position as head judge, saying: "I was expecting to be head judge this year, but on day one Gary stole my head judge mug and sat in Simon's old seat…there's always next year I suppose."

While Louis may be have to wait to head the panel, Take That frontman Gary Barlow claims that he feels himself, Tulisa and Kelly are perfect replacements for Chezza, SiCo and Dannii.

Barlow stated: "I suppose in terms of who they could have picked to be new judges alongside Louis, there's no-one more valid than me, Kelly and Tulisa because we're out there doing it right now, we're selling tickets, selling records and we're out there doing what these guys want to do."

The X Factor is set to return to our TV screens this Saturday at 8pm on ITV1…we can't wait!

SEE PICS OF KELLY, TULISA, GARY & LOUIS FROM THE X FACTOR 2011 HERE!

WATCH MTV'S EXCLUSIVE LIVE SESSION WITH TULISA & N-DUBZ HERE  

CHECK OUT PICS OF GARY BARLOW IN OUR TAKE THAT REUNITED GALLERY HERE!

Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311