X Factor autotune vindicated

COMPLAINTS about the use of autotune on The X Factor have been thrown out by the broadcasting watchdog.

Ofcom was contacted by 45 viewers about the technology being used to enhance performances on the hit ITV show.

Fans accused producers of using autotune - seen in studios to correct pitch and disguise off-key singing - to make some contestants sound better.

Many of the allegations surrounded Gamu Nhengu, who was later immersed in another controversy when she was passed over for the finals by judge Cheryl Cole.

Ofcom said that for it to investigate it would have to look at whether viewers were "materially misled". That would have meant viewers were spending their money to vote on the basis of autotuned performances.

An Ofcom spokesman said there was "no risk" that viewers could have been materially misled.