X Factor judge Gary Barlow has reportedly expressed concern that some contestants may be too young to take part in the show.
His comments follow a weekend episode in which teenager Luke Lucas (16) became upset after struggling with his performance for Barlow and guest judge Robbie Williams.
Barlow did not put Lucas through to the final 16.
The Take That star is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "Sixteen is just too young to be in this competition with this kind of pressure, but some 16-year-olds are more mature than others. Luke is just too young.
"I have a responsibility here as well. It was too much for him - no wonder he cracked under the pressure."
Williams is reported to have said: "I do think 16 is a bit young, but when you get an opportunity you just grab it.
"If it was my son or daughter I don't think I would be pushing them that early."
Among the 16-year-old finalists in this year's competition are Janet Devlin and Amelia Lily.
An X Factor spokesman told the Sun: "All contestants are judged and assessed individually.
"If any of our younger contestants is deemed too immature to deal with the pressures of the competition they are advised to re-apply in future years.
"Contestants are aged 16 and over, therefore there is no requirement for a chaperone. However, younger contestants are accompanied at all times by a responsible adult at bootcamp and judges' houses."
