Tommy's X Factor (Season 9)

The ninth season of the tengaged version of The X Factor was announced on February 21, 2019 immediately following season 8. Applications for auditions opened a immediately after the finale of season eight, with the premiere episode taking place on Saturday February 23, 2019.

Tommy, Carly Jay and Aili James returned from the previous season as judges. Drake and Chris both stepped down after five and two seasons respectively. It was announced at the finale of the eighth season that Brandon would be returning for his third season after a five season hiatus from the show. Ryan was also announced as the Live Show judge, although there was speculation he would feature before the live show stage.

Selection process
The applications for the ninth season of The X Factor opened on Thursday 21st February, 2019. The auditions aired over four nights with each category performing on separate nights in a purpose built studio as apposed to audition arenas. Each hopeful had to receive a majority of 3 or 4 'YES' votes from the judges to make it through to the next stage of the competition: the all new stage, the showcases.