Simon Cowell Bans Auto-Tune on 'X-Factor'

A producer on Simon Cowell's 'X-Factor' has admitted to using Auto-Tune, the pitch-correction software that has become a household name thanks to pop stars and most recently Antoine Dodson and Auto-Tune the News, to improve the sound of auditioning contestants. Well, it sounds like cheating to us.

In response, Cowell has banned the software from 'X-Factor' -- both on the British version and the upcoming American one.

"The integrity of the show is very important to him and so he told production that Auto-Tune cannot be used again. Simon has banned producers from ever using this software again," a source told the Daily Mirror.

Here's what happened on the British show: Contestant Gamu Nhengu sang "Walking on Sunshine" to rave reviews and made it on to the next round, but according to Deadline Hollywood, fans got suspicious and took to Facebook to complain.

According to their observations, a correction can be heard at the beginning of the second verse.

Deadline Hollywood said an X-Factor spokesman has admitted to vocal enhancement technology being used in post-production work to "deliver the most entertaining experience possible for viewers."

Check out the video for yourself below.