'How many times do we want to see Louis on the stage at the final with his mouth open? We need to change that picture!' - Sharon wants a winner, should Simon and Louis be worried?

What has the talent been like this year?
Sharon Osbourne: There has been some really great talent through but we have been so picky this year. Everyone who does get through to Bootcamp will have to have something special about them or they won't survive.

Which category do you think you'll be given this year?
Sharon Osbourne: Well the groups are looking fantastic this year! You just know I'll get the groups as I've not had them yet. I mean is the pope Catholic?!

Is the competition between the judges real?
Sharon Osbourne: Everybody wants to win, no one has signed up to lose - even though I have lost every year. I do mind that I've not won because I care about the acts I look after.

As the only judge not to win a series are you feeling the pressure this year?
Sharon Osbourne: Please do not rub salt in the wound, I'm just happy to be here! But it would be lovely, I mean how many times do we want to see Louis on the stage at the final with his mouth open? We need to change that picture!

Do you prefer contestants who have the whole package or would you rather have a raw talent you can work with?
Sharon Osbourne: Artists who are special and big stars have their own sense of style, individuality and stage presence which is in them before they even make it big. Yes you can teach acts some of that, but a real star already has it and knows what to do with it.

Do you still get excited about taking part in the show?
Sharon Osbourne: There is nothing more exciting than being able to help talent get to the forefront. It is so exciting to go across the country and see just how much talent Britain has. It is so hard for artists to get signed these days because of the state of the record industry worldwide so it's great to give real talent a short cut into the industry and at the same time be part of a show that is watched in such large volume.

What are you looking for this year?
Sharon Osbourne: I'd love to find a great girl group. I think it is about time we had great personalities in a girl group. There is so much room for another Spice Girls and I would love to see it with younger girls.

What does the 'X Factor' mean to you?
Sharon Osbourne: The 'X Factor' to me is not just about singing. You've got to have great charisma, a certain look and a sense of your own style. A lot of people can sing but they have no idea who they are, and there's a lot more to it if you have that X Factor. You know who you are and you have a sense of identity. That is what I look for, a certain confidence in people.

As a music manager how has your experience helped on the show?
Sharon Osbourne: It's very difficult for me here in the UK because I think people see me as this outrageous mum with a big mouth and people forget I was born into the music industry and have worked in it my entire life.

But it is my music background that helps me judge talent. Everybody has a different eye and view on what makes good talent and you can only go on your gut feeling. All I know is that my gut feeling over the last 30 years has served me well.