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The X Factor (TV series)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The X Factor | |
|---|---|
 The X Factor (UK) logo |
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| Format | Interactive music talent show |
| Created by | Simon Cowell |
| Presented by | Various presenters |
| Judges | Various judges |
| Country of origin |  United Kingdom |
| Language(s) | Various languages |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | FremantleMedia (as talkbackTHAMES), SYCOtv |
| Running time | 60 – 120 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | ITV |
| Original run | 4 September 2004 – present |
| External links | |
| Official website | |
- For the UK version, see The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a television music talent show franchise originating in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for the massively successful Pop Idol. The competitions, now held in various countries, are contested by aspiring pop singers drawn from public auditions. The "X Factor" of the title refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality. The prize is usually a recording contract (in addition to the publicity that appearance in the later stages of the show itself generates, not only for the winner but also for other highly ranked contestants).
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The show is primarily concerned with identifying singing talent, though appearance, personality, stage presence and dance routines are also an important element of many performances. Some acts also accompany themselves on guitar or piano, though almost always over a backing track. The single most important attribute that the judges are seeking, however, is the ability to appeal to a mass market of pop fans.
The competitions are usually split into three categories: vocal groups (including duos), solo singers aged 16–24, and solo singers aged 25 and over.
There are four stages to The X Factor competition:
- Stage 1: Auditions
- Stage 2: Boot camp (successful auditionees undergo a further selection procedure)
- Stage 3: Visits to judges' houses (finalists are chosen)
- Stage 4: Live shows (finals)
- There are two special pan-regional versions of The X Factor. These follow the normal The X Factor format with the exception that contestants come from different countries in the region where it airs:
- Arabia: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria and Tunisia.
- United Kingdom: Ireland and United Kingdom
- In the fourth UK series the age limit was lowered from 16 to 14, creating a 14–24 age group. This was split into separate male and female sections,[1] making four categories in all: 14–24 males ("boys"), 14–24 females ("girls"), 25-and-overs, and groups.
- The X Factor: Battle of the Stars is a celebrity special edition of The X Factor in the UK.
As part of Simon Cowell's deal to remain on American Idol, a United States version of The X Factor cannot be produced.
Simon Fuller, the creator of Pop Idol, claimed that the format of The X Factor was copied from his own show, and, through his company 19 TV, filed a lawsuit against The X Factor producers FremantleMedia, Simon Cowell and Cowell's companies Simco and Syco.[2] A High Court hearing began in London, England in November 2005, and the outcome was awaited with interest by media lawyers for its potential effect on the legal situation regarding the copyrighting of formats. However, in the event the hearing was quickly adjourned and an out-of-court settlement was reached at the end of the month.[3]
It was revealed by the Daily Mirror newspaper on 9 December 2006 that Simon Cowell has intentions of launching a "Euro X Factor" within two years.[4] The show, if launched, would feature European countries staging their own X Factor contests, with a winner announced for each. The individual winners would then take part in the "Euro X Factor". The concept is similar to that of World Idol and the Eurovision Song Contest; however, unlike these shows "Euro X Factor" would progress over a number of weeks, with one act eliminated each week, until an eventual international winner is found. It is anticipated that such a show could attract over 100 million viewers per episode, which would make it the world's biggest talent competition.
- ^ "Dannii Minogue 2007 interview", YouTube RELEVANT SECTION FROM 3:08, 16 August 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.
- ^ "X Factor copyright case adjourned", BBC News, retrieved 15 May 2007
- ^ "X Factor copyright case settled", BBC News, retrieved 15 May 2007
- ^ "EURO FACTOR EXCLUSIVE", The Mirror, 9 December 2006.
- The X Factor at itv.com
- The X Factor Official MySpace page
- The X Factor at talkbackthames.tv
- The X Factor - Show News & Gossip at thexfactor.com
- The X Factor at Unreality TV
- The X Factor Gifts Official Gift Shop
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| National franchises: United Kingdom (original) • Australia • Belgium • Colombia • Iceland • Netherlands • Russia • Spain International franchises: Arabia |
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