James Blunt has challenged X-Factor boss Simon Cowell by holding open auditions for an unsigned act to support him on a December concert date. The 40-year old has opened the competition to any type of musical performer saying he’s open to most people joining him on stage: “Anything goes! It doesn’t have to be anything like my music at all. It doesn’t have to be one man and a guitar, it can be anything. Bands, solo artists, whoever is great. I am up for anything and giving them a chance.” The singer-songwriter also took the chance to make a dig at X-Factor boss Simon Cowell, adding: “X Factor competitions are not really about the music. I’m looking for something a bit more genuine.” Blunt is inviting undiscovered talent to audition for him for a support slot at his Hammersmith Apollo gig in December, crediting Elton John for helping him make his big break into music: “Elton John took me out as his support act in my earliest days. My first gig was to 20 people, or something, in North London. And then he took me out and I played to 40,000 people in Ipswich football stadium the next day. That was him giving new musicians an opportunity.” If you’d like to be in with the chance of performing as Blunt’s support act, send links of your music on YouTube or Soundcloud by 6PM tomorrow, 7 October, to adamjnealon@gmail.com. Acts must be available to support in London at the Hammersmith Apollo on December 1.