No point auditioning. It's clear from the start X Factor and similar shows exhibit some kind of favouritism towards certain contestants. Just to keep the ratings up. If you audition you're willing to join the overrated circus act that hangs some people out to dry. Susan Boyle especially.
If you want to make it in music the proper way, take a leaf out of Ed Sheeran's (or Adele's) book. I understand Will Young and Kelly Clarkson are still going strong years after they appeared on Idol but they're the exceptions, their record deals put them in control of their music whereas for X Factor winners you're basically told what to do or you get dropped.