- Tulisa Contostavlos at the launch press conference<p> The singer used the official <em>X Factor</em> launch press conference as the platform on which to showcase her new blonde-streaked hair. We're not 100% convinced...</p>
- Kelly Rowland at the launch press conference<p> Kelly Rowland also opted for a fitted LBD for the launch conference, but her Versace number had some added injection of colour courtesy of bright green piping.</p>
- Kelly Rowland at the launch press conference<p> The former Destiny's Child teamed her low-back dress with killer wedges.</p>
- Gary Barlow at the launch press conference<p> New head judge Gary Barlow was looking decidedly dapper at the press conference. And quite rightly so.</p>
- Louis Walsh at the launch press conference<p> And then there was good old Louis, just looking like good old Louis.</p>
- The new judges at the launch press conference<p> And here they are, the new fab four. Now is it us, or does Louis look like he's missing his old mates?</p>
- Dermot O'Leery at the launch press conference<p> Ah we'd forgotten just how much we love Dermot! We think we're more excited about getting our weekly O'Leery fix back than we are about anything else <em>X Factor</em> related...</p>
- Caroline Flack at the launch press conference<p> New <em>Xtra Factor</em> presenter Caroline Flack showed off her pins in a micro mini LBD (something of a trend on this red carpet) teamed with leopard print booties.</p>
- Olly Murs at the launch press conference<p> Caroline's soon-to-be ITV2 side-kick, Olly Murs was also in attendance.</p>
- Official photo: The new judges
- Official photo: Tulisa Contostavlos
- Official photo: Gary Barlow
- Official photo: Kelly Rowland
- Official photo: Louis Walsh
- Kelly Rowland in Manchester<p> Kelly Rowland showed off her teeny-tiny waist in a white belted prom dress, teamed with fierce red ankle boots.</p>
- Tulisa Contostavlos in Manchester<p> In what we think is Tulisa's most stylish <em>X Factor</em> moment so far, the judge hit Manchester in a sweet pastel-printed dress and bow belt, teamed with matching bow-festooned heels.</p>
- Tulisa Contostavlos in Birmingham<p> Tulisa seemed to be channeling her inner Cheryl Cole for the Scotland auditions in a patterned minidress, teamed with glossy long locks and peep-toe booties.</p>
- Kelly Rowland in Scotland<p> Kelly Rowland got into the Scottish spirit, attempting the Highland Fling in her ladylike ensemble of printed skirt, pussybow blouse and uber-tall nude heels.</p>
- Tulisa Contostavlos in Birmingham<p> For her big<em> X Factor</em> debut, Tulisa stepped out in a dotty DKNY jumpsuit and chunky scarlet platforms.</p>
- Kelly Rowland in Birmingham<p> For her first official <em>X Factor </em>appearance, Kelly went all out in cropped Twenty8Twelve lace top, with black skirt and Louboutin heels.</p>
- Gary Barlow in Birmingham<p> Replacing Simon Cowell as the esteemed head of the judging panel, new boy Gary Barlow was looking decidedly dapper for the first round of auditions.</p>
- Louis Walsh<p> Finally a familiar face! With the appearance of the ever-present Louis Walsh, it suddenly feels like the <em>X Factor</em> again.</p>
- Dermot O'Leary in Birmingham<p> Also returning to the X Factor for another year, is the delectable Dermot O'Leary. Hurrah!</p>
- Olly Murs and Caroline Flack in Birmingham<p> Taking over from Konnie Huq, presenter Caroline Flack will be fronting ITV2's <em>Xtra Factor</em> - alongside alumni Olly Murs. The pair were colour co-ordinating in blues in Birmingham.</p>
- Tulisa Contostavlos at the launch press conference<p> Tulisa struck a pose in a demure (ish) Little Black Dress by Vivienne Westwood, teamed with towering stiletto heels.</p>
So while we've no longer got Simon, Cheryl and Dannii (sob) we have got a rather dashing Gary Barlow in close-up, Tulisa from N-Dubz doing her very best Cheryl Cole impression, and Kelly Rowland with very long hair. Oh and Louis, just being Louis.
We're still not convinced by the entire operation. But we're willing to bet we'll probably be hooked by the time the live shows come around.
What do you think of the official pics? Let us know in a comment below.
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