Simon Cowell bans Auto-Tune after X-Factor scandal

by Adam Faulkner. Published Thu 26 Aug 2010 12:16

X-Factor boss Simon Cowell

X-Factor guru Simon Cowell has banned the use of Auto-Tune on The X-Factor after the audio gizmo caused a furore among fans.

The hit ITV talent show was in stormy waters with adoring followers after bosses admitted some contestants' voices were altered to make them sound better.

It is also claimed that the electronic device has been used to make contestants with little chance of advancing in the show, even worse.

The 50-year-old music mogul jetted into the UK after a holiday to ban the software from both the British and upcoming American version of the programme.

A source is reported as saying: "As soon as he landed, he was very busy taking lots of calls from production and ITV bosses.

"He said 'the sh** has hit the fan' and was shocked about the fans' reaction and wanted to do something straight away.

"The integrity of the show is very important to him and so he told production that Auto-Tune cannot be used again."

It is understood that ITV and watchdog Ofcom received hundreds of complaints this week after the Auto-Tune scandal broke.