Simon Cowell with Sinitta in Los Angels ahead of the the X-Factor final auditions

The X-Factor has teamed up with British Airways, as the official airline, to fly its celebrity judges and contestants to Bermuda, Cancun, Los Angeles and Nice for the final auditions.

For the first time, the ‘judges houses’ episodes will air over three nights on ITV this Friday Saturday and Sunday at 20:00.

The aspiring pop stars travelled to some of British Airways’ most glamorous destinations to perform for judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Louis Walsh, in the hope of making it through to the live finals.

Chosen for their exclusivity, glamour and stunning backdrops – the airline has produced packages to each X-Factor destination, for those inspired by the show.

Louis Walsh lucked out this series by flying to the pink sandy beaches of Bermuda.

Mentoring the groups, Louis and guest judge Tulisa Contostavlos offered the wannabe-stars a preview of the pop star lifestyle, staying at the five star Fairmont Southampton Hotel.

Contestants took part in diving, swimming and jet-skiing, as well as the 18-hole golf club on site, while the judges soaked up the sun.

Walsh said: “I think it might be the most glamorous destination I’ve ever been sent to!

“This is a make or break stage for the groups, so it was a perfect retreat for them to unwind ahead of their performances.”

Offering a taste of the showbiz lifestyle, Mel B and the ‘boys’ visited the party paradise of Cancun in Mexico.

Contestants stayed at the luxurious five star Occidental Grand Xcaret in Riviera Maya, where they performed for the former Spice Girl and her guest judge Emma Bunton.

Contestants were able to enjoy the Dolphinarium, spa and eco eco-archeological park on site, as well as the stunning Caribbean Sea.

Living the rock star dream, Simon’s category the ‘overs’ travelled in style on British Airways’ new ‘red carpet route’ to Los Angeles on its A380 superjumbo.

Staying in Hollywood, contestants had time to experience the city before performing for Simon at his Beverly Hills residence, in front of guest judge Sinitta.
 
Returning to the series after three years, Cheryl Fernandez-Virsini chose Nice on the French Riviera to take the ‘girls’.

With collaborator Tinie Tempah on hand to help, the celebrity hotspot of Saint-Tropez was the perfect location for the hopefuls, who stayed at the breath-taking Amarante Golf Plaza Hotel.