In a world of countless reality television competitions, few programmes have a reputation and history as illustrious as The X Factor. Across the past ten years, the ten series of the smash-hit singing contest have been watched by millions of people, received countless awards, and kickstarted the careers of many a superstar, including Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Little Mix, Olly Murs, and a little group called One Direction- perhaps you've heard of them? In this day and age, X Factor alums practically rule the world. However, for every incredible success story, there is always an unmitigated disaster. Among the thousands of auditionees that line up every year to have their chance on The X Factor stage and, ultimately, stardom, there are the future finalists and winners- but there are also the absolute trainwrecks. Maybe the wannabe-star can't carry a tune to save their life, has an ego that goes not only through the roof but out of the atmosphere, or a temper that rivals erupting volcanoes in terms of terror and might. No matter their fault, these hopeful contestants reach the spotlight for all the wrong reasons: rather than gaining attention for their talents and being recognized for their better qualities, it is their catastrophic auditions that bring them notoriety. These would-be superstars came to the show looking for fame, fortune, and international acclaim, but left with nothing but infamy.
15. Jahm
When Jahm took to the stage, the trio were certain that they were destined to be the next big group, despite having met online and practised solely over the telephone. Naturally, what actually went down when they started to sing was far from spectacular. Their performance was downright atrocious: the choreography was dreadful and not a single, solitary note was sung in tune. How could three separate people be equally so delusional? Jahm came in search of stardom but, at the end of the day, their audition got them all the wrong kinds of attention.