Cowell 'bans over-used songs from X Factor'

Simon Cowell has reportedly drawn up a list of over-used songs that X Factor contestants are banned from singing.

The judge is worried that viewers will grow bored of hearing the same songs, according to the News of the World. It is also reported that Cowell is becoming irritated by his favourite songs being "murdered" by hopefuls.

Banned songs include Kings of Leon's 'Sex on Fire' and two tracks by Paolo Nutini. The move is part of a series of on-going changes for the show, after previous clamp downs on sob stories and the recommendation that hopefuls should get dancing lessons.

A source said: "This is about people's real honesty and personality. It's about them and their stage presence."

The list of banned songs is:

Kings of Leon - 'Sex on Fire'
Jason Mraz - 'I'm Yours'
Paolo Nutini - 'Last Request'
Paolo Nutini - 'New Shoes'
Eva Cassidy - 'Songbird'
Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars'