X Factor: Meet the Top 12 [PHOTOS AND BIOS]

X Factor revealed the Top 12 contestants to compete on the FOX singing competition on Oct. 25.

The 12 will face judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and L.A. Reid.

They will battle it out for the winning title as well as a $5 million recording contract.

Five contestants were eliminated from the preliminary rounds. From here on out, the contestants will compete live. The public audience will vote via phone calls and, with a new option, via Twitter.

X Factor will allow users to vote via Twitter using direct-message enabled voting starting Nov. 2.

The contestants are divided into four groups: girls, boys, groups, and over 30.

Each group has a mentor. Simon Cowell is the girls' mentor; L.A. Reid is the boys' mentor; Paula Abdul is the groups' mentor; and Nicole Scherzinger is the over 30's mentor.

The X Factor is a huge hit in the UK. Simon Cowell wanted to bring the sensation to America (possibly, to compete with his old show American Idol).

He brought in Pussycat Doll Scherzinger, music industry legend Reid, and former pop star turned pal Abdul.

Here is a list of the Top 12 along with brief biographies for each.