X Factor ‘to allow Facebook votes’

X Factor fans to vote via Facebook?

Simon Cowell could introduce X Factor voting via Facebook, according to reports

X Factor fans could vote to save their favourite acts through Facebook in the new series of the show, according to reports.

Bosses of the hit TV talent show – created by Simon Cowell and about to launch in the US – are reportedly in talks with the social networking site to set up the new voting system, according to The Sun.

In the UK, viewers would reportedly be able to buy Facebook credit, similar to that used for gaming, to vote for their favourite X Factor acts to go through to the next round each week, while phone votes will still be possible.

Simon apparently hopes to have the Facebook voting system set up for use by this autumn, in time for the launch of The X Factor in the US, with talks apparently already taking place between the site and UK and US broadcasters ITV and Fox.

Last year’s X Factor final – won by 27-year-old Matt Cardle – drew more than 15 million phone votes. Facebook – founded by 26-year-old billionaire Mark Zuckerberg – has 550 million members.

Already during the X Factor, thousands of posts are made on Facebook about the different X Factor acts as viewers discuss their performances and choose to ‘like’ them.