X-Factor contestants recall the "sickening" treatment they witnessed behind the scenes.

In a Fairfax Media exclusive, several former X-Factor contestants and auditionees have spoken of the treatment they witnessed and were subjected to while on the reality show.

While most were forced to remain anonymous due to contractual agreements, Johanna and Bianca Vitalone — a mother-daughter duo who made it to the top 12 of the 2015 season — were happy to be named in the report.

Mother Johanna revealed the performers would go the whole day without being provided water or any breaks.

“I think the reason they put a lot of stress on young people and don’t give them water or breaks is for ratings. It makes people break down more when they’re run down,” she said.

Bianca and Johanna. Image via Facebook.

"A little boy fainted during filming. I think he was around 14. We were filming from really early in the morning and nobody had any water."

The country music singer also explained that many of the songs performed were chosen for contestants, but they were forced to pretend as if it had been their choice.

This isn't the first time the Vitalones have spoken about their experience on the Channel Seven program, after they were erased from what we saw on TV. Despite almost being chosen in judge Guy Sebastian's final team, the two never appeared once on our screens.

An anonymous agent interviewed by Fairfax confirmed the behind-the-scenes manipulation performed by producers.

Our four judges (and lovely host, of course) have finally been united! Are you loving the first live show so far? #xfactorau

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@thexfactorau) on Oct 23, 2016 at 1:41am PDT

"They really, really hound the kids psychologically in interviews to see what pushes their buttons and see what upsets them. I find that quite sickening."

Other contestants corroborated the claims of emotional pressure, reliving times individuals were left sobbing from interviews.

Accusations about treatment even extend as far back to the first auditions and boot camps, where some were left awake until 2 am to drive home.

"A lot of the contestants fell sick afterwards because we had to wait all day to be interviewed and it was freezing," one person from the 2016 series said.

Scroll though to see more of what is happening on this year's show. Images via Instagram. (Post continues after gallery.)

"One contestant fell really ill and he spent the whole three days of bootcamp in bed rest."

However, Channel Seven rejected the claims featured in the article.

"The welfare of contestants at every stage of the competition is an absolute priority for the production," they said.

"Every effort is made to ensure they are safe, cared for and their needs are being met. There are well-established procedures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of contestants is of the highest industry standards at all times."