The new addition to the judging panel for this year’s show is a DJ, cultural barometer, former lead singer in Kenickie and the best thing ever to come out of Sunderland - Lauren Laverne.
Lauren joins Alex James and Simon Gavin on this year’s panel, with Jo Whiley taking a break after the Open Auditions to have her fourth baby.
Lauren’s list of achievements includes a top ten album whilst she was still in her teens, presenting at the NME Awards, The Brits, Mercury Music Prize and Glastonbury, The Culture Show, DJing on XFM and BBC6 and interviewing everyone from Sir Paul Mcartney to Pete Doherty.
She's already made it clear she's not here to mess around. "The bar is very high," Lauren told us. "If nobody meets it we’ll have to send everybody home. It’s tough but that’s the way it’s got to go.”
Well, there you have it – Lauren may be drop dead gorgeous and brainy to boot, but she's no pushover.
Alex has been described as one of the best – at least best-looking – bass players ever. As part of Blur, he’s a member of one of the UK’s most successful ever bands, selling millions of records worldwide.
Alex now has his own farm but still has a passion for writing and producing music at his own studio. He’s recently been working on his own material as well as producing material for new acts such as ‘Florence and The Machine’.
Alex can’t wait to reprise his role on the Orange unsignedAct panel – and is looking forward to sampling some good new music.
“I think we’ll get a much better roll call for the series this time – there may have been some bands who were wavering about whether to take part in the series last year. But I think bands now appreciate that they won’t be asked to jump through hoops.
I can’t wait - where are the bands, bring on the bands!”
Over the last twelve months, record label boss Simon has been very busy. As well as working with Envy and Other Sins and guiding them through their first single, video and album, Simon has had two other new artists he has been working with – The Courteeners and Duffy.
The Courteeners have already established themselves as indie rock royalty. Their debut album, St Jude, went gold after just three months on release.
Simon also signed Duffy at the end of 2007 and her whirlwind success has been truly spectacular. In 2008 her debut album, RockFerry, has sold a whopping 2.25million copies, making her the fifth best selling artist in the world.
Simon’s advice for those thinking of applying is:
“Make sure you have the song that you believe will help you win the show – not just get you through the auditions. Just come on and do what you do, forget anyone else is there and lose yourself in the song that you’ve written.”
This year Jo Whiley is in charge of our Open Auditions - the safety net to make sure that no-one slips past our web vote and professional panel. She may be having a baby, but that won't stop her putting 4 extra acts through to the main auditions.
Jo is the most influential woman in music in the UK. With more than 5 million listeners on her Radio 1 show, she’s renowned for championing new bands and establishing massive names like Nirvana, Coldplay and the Arctic Monkeys.
Jo’s really excited that singer-songwriters can enter the competition this year.
“I’m really pleased it’s been opened up to singer songwriters. I would just love to hear some great songs, some amazing voices and some great musicianship.”
The line up of the Judges may change during the series at the discretion of the production company.