Entertainment

X Factor stars pay to perform

Stars who promote their new singles on The X Factor are forced to pay their own costs.

Cheryl Cole reportedly spent £65,000 on her performance of her debut solo single 'Fight For This Love'.

The show judge singer's album '3 Words' and the single both shot to No 1 after her stint. The star is said to have paid the sum for her dancers, costumes, extra lighting, lasers and other special effects for the live show.

Singing appearances by legendary singer Whitney Houston and the previous year's talent show winner Alexandra Burke on the ITV1 programme are reported to have each cost £60,000.

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Bon Jovi are said to have staged the cheapest live performance last Sunday. The band's show allegedly cost £30,000.

A member of the X Factor team said: "The performers have to pay their own production costs and it can be a small fortune.

"The money is spent on hiring dancers, costumes, lighting, lasers and any other special effects they require."

The source added: "But the labels are more than happy to cover the costs as it means their acts are getting exposure to audiences in their millions.

"It's a ratings juggernaut and the record companies know that and don't mind paying for it."  

Black Eyed Peas and Leona Lewis have been confirmed to sing on Sunday night's live show.