'Judges' Homes' round of 'The X Factor' continues

Justin Bieber and his manager, Scooter Braun, Marc Anthony, Nick Jonas and will.i.am to guest-mentor

Top 24 acts divided into four new mentoring categories

On Wednesday, Oct. 10 (8 to 10 p.m.), the "Boot Camp" round of "The X Factor" comes to a dramatic conclusion as the top 24 acts are chosen and the "Judges' Homes" round begins. At the start of the "Judges' Homes" round, each judge is assigned one of the new season two categories (to be announced) and the 24 acts find out who their mentors are. The "Judges' Homes" round continues on Thursday, Oct. 11 (8 p.m.), and Wednesday, Oct. 17 (8 to 10 p.m.). During each episode, the stakes are raised as the acts must perform not only for their judge, but also for each category's superstar guest mentor, including Marc Anthony (who will join Simon Cowell); Justin Bieber and talent manager, Scooter Braun (who will accompany L.A. Reid); Nick Jonas (who will pair with Demi Lovato); and will.i.am (who will guest-mentor with Britney Spears).

Which acts have what it takes to convince their judges and guest mentors that they have "The X Factor"?

After the "Judges' Homes" round, "The X Factor" returns with special live episodes Thursday, Nov. 1 (8 to 10 p.m.) and on a special night Sunday, Nov. 4 (8 to 10 p.m.).

Here's what some of the guest mentors had to say about their experience on "The X Factor":

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to mentor 'The X Factor' contestants," Anthony said. "And I am looking forward to seeing them advance in the show's new season."

"When Britney asked me to come help mentor talent in the 'Judges' Homes' round, it was an easy 'yes,' " said will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. "Some of the talent I've seen so far has blown me away - they're out-of-this-world good."

"I'm lucky to have some incredible mentors in my life, and I've always valued their opinions greatly," said Nick Jonas, member of the Grammy Award-nominated trio the Jonas Brothers. "Being able to provide guidance for another artist, while working with the incredibly talented 'X Factor' team was an amazing experience. There's some extraordinary talent out there and I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of their journey."

"The X Factor" schedule

• Wednesday, Oct. 10 (8 p.m.)
• Thursday, Oct. 11 (8 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 17 (8 p.m.)
• Thursday, Oct. 18: Pre-empted (due to MLB World Series)

• Wednesday, Oct. 24: Pre-empted (due to MLB World Series)
• Thursday, Oct. 25: Pre-empted (due to MLB World Series)
• Wednesday, Oct. 31: Pre-empted (due to MLB World Series)
• Thursday, Nov. 1 (8 p.m.): Live two-hour episode

• Sunday, Nov. 4 (8 p.m.): Live two-hour episode (special Sunday airing)

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