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|September 21, 2011
|September 21, 2011
|December 22, 2011
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| style="background:pink;"|[[Melanie Amaro]]
| style="background:#ccf;"|[[Chuck Norris]]
| style="background:#d0f0c0;"|[[Josh Krajcik]]
| style="background:#d0f0c0;"|[[Josh Krajcik]]
| style="background:#ccf;"|[[Chris Rene]]
| style="background:#ccf;"|[[Chris Rene]]

Revision as of 11:11, 25 December 2011

For The X Factor around the world, see The X Factor (TV series)
For the most recent season, see The X Factor (U.S. season 1)
The X Factor
The X Factor logo
GenreReality
Created bySimon Cowell
Creative directorBrian Friedman
Presented bySteve Jones
JudgesSimon Cowell
Paula Abdul
Nicole Scherzinger
L.A. Reid
Cheryl Cole (2011)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes26 (as of December 22, 2011)
Production
Executive producersSimon Cowell
Cecile Frot-Coutaz
Siobhan Greene
Richard Holloway
Andrew Llinares
Rob Wade[1]
Production locationsCBS Television City
Hollywood, California
Running time60-150 minutes
Production companiesFremantleMedia North America
SYCOtv
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseSeptember 21, 2011 (2011-09-21) –
present
Related
The X Factor (UK)

The X Factor is an American television music competition to find new singing talent. The show is produced by creator Simon Cowell's company SYCOtv.[2] It premiered on September 21, 2011[3] on Fox.

As part of the British X Factor franchise, the program's format has numerous differences from its rivals, including American Idol, among others. The competition is open to both solo artists and groups and has no upper age limit. Each judge is assigned one of four categories—boys between 12 and 30, girls between 12 and 30, individuals over 30, or groups (some of which may be formed from rejected soloists after the audition process).[4] Through the live shows, the judges act as mentors to their category, helping to decide song choices, styling and staging, while judging contestants from the other categories; they also compete to ensure that their act wins the competition, thus making them the winning judge. The winner of the first series stands to receive a $5 million recording contract[5] and will also star in her own Pepsi commercial, which will air at Super Bowl XLVI on NBC.[6]

History

Although American Idol went on to become an enormous success and rated number 1 for (as of present) seven consecutive seasons, in its home country of the UK, the original Pop Idol did not fare so well. After the massively successful first series, the second series suffered from low ratings. Many (including Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman himself)[7] considered series 2 winner Michelle McManus an unworthy winner as she failed to achieve the same success as series 1 winner Will Young. In 2004, Pop Idol was axed and ITV announced a new talent show created by former Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell, with no involvement from Idol creator Simon Fuller — The X Factor. Its ratings were average in the first couple of series, but by the sixth series in 2009, ratings were hitting 10 million each week. Pop Idol had been completely forgotten in the UK in favour of The X Factor, whereas American Idol was responsible for the highest rated TV show in the U.S. — with The X Factor virtually non-existent.

Then, in April 2009, reports surfaced that Cowell was attempting to launch The X Factor in the U.S. after his American Idol contract ended after the ninth season.[8] Under his then contract, Cowell was forbidden from launching The X Factor as a rival show to Idol.[8] In September, Fox, the broadcaster of American Idol, signed the deal to launch the U.S. version of The X Factor.

On January 11, 2010, News Corporation (through Fox News in the U.S. and The Times in the UK) reported that Cowell would leave American Idol after season 9 in order to bring The X Factor to the U.S. in September 2011. Cowell told the Television Critics Association that he was leaving American Idol so that he can judge and act as executive producer of the U.S. version of The X Factor.[9] Additionally, Cowell signed a long-term business deal with Sony Music Entertainment, who already support Syco Music artists in the UK, and will now be involved with the artists on the U.S. version of the show as well as becoming involved in its production.[2]

In November 2010, Fox began airing short commercials for the program which displayed the text "Coming to America Fall 2011".[10][11] The New York Times described the commercials as the network trying to set up The X Factor as a television event.[10] In February 2011, during Super Bowl XLV, Fox unveiled the official logo for the show in a promo starring Cowell.[12] A second promo was shown during that night, featuring Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Lady Gaga, the Pussycat Dolls and Madonna. This promo started speculation on who would be joining Cowell on the X Factor judging panel.[13]

The X Factor premiered in the U.S. and Canada on September 21, 2011. The following day, it premiered in the UK and a handful of other countries.

Season summary

To date, one season is planned for broadcast, as summarized below.

  Contestant in the "Under 30 Boys" category
  Contestant in the "Under 30 Girls" category
  Contestant in the "Over 30s"category
  Contestants in the "Groups" category

Season Start Finish Winner Runner-up Third place Winning mentor Host Sponsor Judges Guest judges
One September 21, 2011 December 22, 2011 Chuck Norris Josh Krajcik Chris Rene Simon Cowell Steve Jones Pepsi
Sony
Verizon
Chevrolet 		Simon Cowell
Paula Abdul
L.A. Reid
Nicole Scherzinger 		Cheryl Cole (Los Angeles & Chicago auditions;
originally planned to be a permanent judge)

Judges and hosts

At the time of announcing the U.S. version, Cowell was the only confirmed judge for the show.[14] He later said that he was taking the choices of who to join him on the show very seriously, saying, "It's pointless hiring judges who don't know anything about the music business. I'll probably go and find someone who did what I did for a living. I was an A&R guy for 20 years."[15] Many people were rumored to be in the running to join the judging panel, including Nicole Scherzinger, George Michael,[16] Nicki Minaj,[17] Rihanna, Katy Perry, Elton John, Mariah Carey and Jessica Simpson, though Cowell denied that Perry and John were.[16] Eventually, Grammy Award-winning record executive, songwriter, and record producer L.A. Reid,[18][19] former UK X Factor judge Cheryl Cole,[20][21] and Cowell's former American Idol colleague Paula Abdul[22] were confirmed to join Cowell in the judging panel.

Cowell had previously indicated that the show may have two hosts.[23][24] Numerous people were speculated to host the series, including High School Musical star Corbin Bleu and UK X Factor host Dermot O'Leary.[25][26] At one point, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga was rumored to have a non-judging role on the show.[27] Initially, Scherzinger was to act as co-host with Welsh presenter Steve Jones.[28][29]

On May 26, 2011, it was reported that Cole had been removed from the show and was set to be replaced by Scherzinger. Reports varied over whether she was fired because American audiences had trouble understanding her accent, because of a lack of chemistry between her and Abdul, or that she had stepped down herself due to homesickness.[30][31] Cole's departure was officially confirmed on June 6 in a statement from Fox, which also confirmed Scherzinger as her replacement. Jones now serves as the sole presenter.[32] On August 5, Cowell announced that the reason why Cole left was because he offered her the job in the UK version back and that he felt that she would be more comfortable there. He said if her departure had anything to do with her not getting along with Abdul then he would not be judging the show.[33]

Judges' categories and their finalists

Key:

  – Winning judge/category. Winners are in bold, eliminated contestants in small font.
Season Simon Cowell Paula Abdul Nicole Scherzinger L.A. Reid
One Under 30 Girls
Melanie Amaro
Rachel Crow
Drew
Simone Battle
Tiah Tolliver 		Groups
Lakoda Rayne
The Stereo Hogzz
InTENsity
The Brewer Boys 		Over 30s
Josh Krajcik
LeRoy Bell
Stacy Francis
Dexter Haygood 		Under 30 Boys
Chris Rene
Marcus Canty
Astro
Phillip Lomax

Format and prize

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. Each judge is assigned one of four categories—either girls between 12 and 29, boys between 12 and 29, individuals 30 and over, or groups (some of which may be formed from rejected soloists after the audition process).[4] Through the live shows, the judges act as mentors to their category, helping to decide song choices, styling and staging, while judging contestants from other categories.

The winner of the competition is awarded a recording contract with Syco Music in association with Sony Music Entertainment, which would include cash payments totalling $5 million.[34][35] A press release on behalf of the show on February 7, 2011 called the recording contract "the largest guaranteed prize in television history."[36] Unlike the British version of the show,[37] the costs of recording and marketing the winning artist will be paid for separately from the $5 million initial contract payment. The $5 million will be paid directly to the winner in five annual installments of $1 million. Cowell said in a conference call with reporters on February 7, 2011: "I think it should be a life-changing prize and just to be clear, this isn't a dressed-up $5 million, this is a guaranteed $5 million payable to the winner. The recording, marketing, and video costs are completely separate to that. It will be paid over five years at $1 million a year."[38]

Cowell said in the same conference call that the specific music label within the Sony family with which the winner would actually sign would likely depend on which specialty label could provide the best support to the winner in light of the type of music that the winner chooses to perform.[39]

There are five stages to The X Factor:

  • Stage 1: Producers' auditions (these auditions decide who will sing in front of the judges)
  • Stage 2: Judges' auditions
  • Stage 3: Bootcamp
  • Stage 4: Judges' houses
  • Stage 5: Live shows (finals)

Auditions

The show is open to solo artists and vocal groups aged 12 and above, with no upper age limit.[34][35] The successful auditionees audition in front of the judges where the judges must come to a majority vote to allow the auditionee to proceed to the next round, in this case, at least three judges have to say yes for the hopeful to go to Bootcamp.

Bootcamp

The contestants selected at auditions are further refined through a series of performances at "bootcamp", and then at "judges' houses", until a small number eventually progress to the live finals. At bootcamp the judges collaboratively choose 32 acts (eight from each category) for the next round, and only then are told by the show's producers which category they are to mentor.

Judges' houses

The judges then disband for the "judges' houses" round, where they further reduce their acts on location at a residence (often collectively spanning the globe) with the help of a celebrity guest.

Live shows

Final 16

The final 16 perform live, to get a place in the Final 12. There will be no public vote in the first week, instead each of the judges selected one of their own acts to eliminate. In season 1, Cowell had to eliminate two acts, because he included Melanie Amaro as a fifth contestant in his category, as he thought he had made "a huge mistake" at judges' houses by not choosing Amaro for the live shows. Therefore, season one had a final 17 instead of a final 16.

Final 12

The finals consist of a series of two live shows, with the first featuring the contestants' performances and the second revealing the results of the public voting, culminating in either one or two acts being eliminated. Celebrity guest performers also feature regularly.

Post The X Factor

The winner of the competition is awarded a recording contract, stated to be worth $5 million, with Syco Music in association with Sony Music Entertainment.[34][35] A press release on behalf of the show called the recording contract "the largest guaranteed prize in television history."[40] In comparison to the UK version of the show, where a portion of the £1 million ($1.6 million) prize is used to pay for the costs of recording and marketing the winning artist,[41] these expenses will be paid for separately from the $5 million initial contract payment offered on the U.S. show, which will be paid in five annual installments of $1 million.[42]

Television ratings

Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of The X Factor on Fox.

Each U.S. network television season starts in late September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May sweeps.
Season Premiered Ended TV Season Timeslot Season
Ranking
Date Viewers
(in millions) 		Date Viewers
(in millions)
1 September 21, 2011 12.49 December 22, 2011 12.59 2011 Wednesday 8:00 pm
(performance show) 		TBA
Thursday 8:00 p.m.
(results show) 		TBA
2 September 2012 TBA December 2012 TBA 2012 Wednesday 8:00 pm
(performance show) 		TBA
Thursday 8:00 p.m.
(results show) 		TBA

Season 1 (2011)

Main article: The X Factor (U.S. season 1)

Auditions in front of the producers for the first season took place in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, Seattle, Chicago, and Dallas.[43] It was reported that The X Factor had broken the auditions record in Los Angeles on March 27.[44] The last set of auditions took place in front of the judges and a live studio audience during May and June 2011.[45]

An early preview of The X Factor aired during the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 12, 2011. The second major preview came after the NFL double-header game on September 11.[46] The show premiered on September 21, 2011 with the auditions from Los Angeles and Newark. The live finals started on October 25, 2011 with a 2.5 hour live show. On 22 December, Melanie Amaro was announced as the winner.

Season 2 (2012)

On November 2, 2011, it was announced that The X Factor has been renewed for a second season, which will begin airing in Fall 2012.[47]

International airings

Following the announcement of the show coming to America, several other broadcasters around the world expressed interest in acquiring the rights to show the American version of the show in their country. The below mentioned countries may have their own version of X-Factor, dubbed equally or under another name.

  • In Canada, it is simultaneously broadcast with the Fox broadcast on CTV or CTV Two; whatever channel broadcasts The X Factor that particular night depends on other shows on their schedules for that night.
  • In New Zealand, the show is broadcast 6 hours and 30 minutes after it is aired in the U.S, on TV3.[48]
  • In the United Kingdom, as part of Cowell's contract, it was agreed that ITV2, the sister channel to the ITV network (which airs the original British version of The X Factor), would have rights to air the U.S. version. The show is broadcast in the UK 18 hours after it is aired in the U.S. - it premiered on September 22, 2011 in the UK and airs on Thursday and Friday nights.
  • In Japan, the show premiered on October 1, 2011 on FOX bs238.
  • In Indonesia, a group of local TV networks is airing the shows the same week it is aired in America; in Jakarta it airs on B Channel on Thursday and Friday, with repeats on Saturday and Sunday.
  • In Cyprus, the show premiered on September 30, 2011 on RIK 1.
  • In India, the show premiered on September 22, 2011 and is broadcasted on AXN. It currently airs every Saturday and Sunday.
  • In Israel, the show premiered on September 23, 2011 and is broadcast on Friday and Saturday on Hot 3.
  • In Estonia the show premiered on October 9, 2011 and is broadcast on every Sunday on TV3.[52]
  • In Finland, the show premiered on October 4, 2011 and is broadcast on Tuesday and Friday on Sub.
  • In Poland, the show premiered on October 11, 2011 on Fox Life and is broadcast every Tuesday.[53]
  • In Ireland the show premiered on September 30, 2011 on TV3 and is broadcast every Friday.
  • In Hungary, the show premieres on October 1, 2011 and is broadcast on every Sunday and Saturday on Cool TV.[54]

Media sponsorship

On January 7, 2011, Fox, SYCOtv and FremantleMedia North America announced that Pepsi will be the official sponsor of The X Factor.[4][10] The sponsorship includes an extensive multi-platform on and off-air marketing partnership.[4] On June 9, Chevrolet was announced as the second official sponsor of the show. Chevrolet's sponsorship will also include an extensive multi-platform on and off-air marketing partnership.[55] Sony was confirmed as the third official sponsor on July 26. Sony's sponsorship of The X Factor will also include an extensive multi-platform on and off-air marketing partnership.[56] Verizon also sponsors The X Factor USA, they are the official wireless sponsor.[57]

References

  1. ^ The X Factor Press Release {Pdf} Fox Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved June 24, 2011
  2. ^ a b Wilkes, Alex (January 19, 2010). "Sony confirms Cowell, Green venture". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  3. ^ Wilkes, Neil (January 20, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: Cowell confirms start date for US 'X Factor'". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 20, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c d "PEPSI is Announced as the Official Sponsor of The X Factor!". Fox Broadcasting Company. January 7, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  5. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/news/x-factor-has-glitzy-premiere-complete-with-1005354392.story
  6. ^ ""X Factor" winner will star in Super Bowl Pepsi ad". Reuters. August 5, 2011.
  7. ^ "Pete Waterman: "Michelle is rubbish"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  8. ^ a b Hurrel, Will (April 22, 2009). "Cowell Hints at US X Factor". Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  9. ^ Cooper, Lorna (January 11, 2010). "Cowell quits American Idol". MSN. Microsoft. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  10. ^ a b c Stelter, Brian (January 4, 2011). "Pepsi to Sponsor 'American Idol' Rival". The New York Times. p. 3. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  11. ^ Slezak, Michael (November 24, 2010). "'The X Factor' exclusive: First look at Fox's promo!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  12. ^ [1][dead link]
  13. ^ Meld je aan of registreer je om een reactie te plaatsen! (2011-02-04). "Have You Got It? - THE X FACTOR 2011". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  14. ^ Wilkes, Neil (January 11, 2010). "Simon Cowell quits American Idol". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  15. ^ "What Simon Cowell gave up for 'X Factor'". New York Post. NYP Holdings, Inc. January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
  16. ^ a b Cina, Mark (March 3, 2011). "Simon Cowell Confirms Paula Abdul Is on 'X-Factor' Judges Shortlist". The Hollywood Reporter. Los Angeles: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  17. ^ Dinh, James (March 25, 2011). "Simon Cowell Addresses Nicki Minaj 'X Factor' Judging Rumors". MTV. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  18. ^ "Official: L.A. Reid signed as 'X Factor' judge". Entertainment Weekly. Mar 18, 2011. Retrieved Mar 18, 2011.
  19. ^ "Breaking News: Grammy-winning music mogul Antonio "L.A" Reid to join Simon Cowell as a judge on The X Factor!". The X Factor. Facebook. March 18, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  20. ^ Plunkett, John (May 5, 2011). "Cheryl Cole confirmed as US X Factor judge.'". London: The Guardian. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  21. ^ "Cheryl Cole finally confirmed as judge on US X Factor as Simon Cowell gushes she's 'special'". The Daily Record. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  22. ^ The X Factor. "FOX Broadcasting Company - The X Factor USA - Simon Cowell's Brand New Singing Competition Comes To America Only On FOX". Thexfactor.blogs.fox.com. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  23. ^ McGonigle, Molly. (March 25, 2011) Simon Cowell on 'Idol': 'I watched it once' | Story | Wonderwall. Wonderwall.msn.com. Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  24. ^ Cowell may prefer having two hosts for 'X Factor' – CTV News. Ctv.ca. Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  25. ^ Hibberd, James. (April 28, 2011) 'The X Factor': Corbin Bleu in talks to co-host | Inside TV | EW.com. Insidetv.ew.com. Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  26. ^ Trombetta, Natalie; Johnson, Chris (May 9, 2011). "Simon Cowell confirms Gary Barlow as new UK X Factor judge". Daily Mail. London.
  27. ^ Thursday, January 28, 2010, 08:43 GMT (January 28, 2010). "TV – News – Cowell 'wants GaGa' for US 'X Factor'". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 18, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ Daniels, Colin (May 8, 2011). "Nicole Scherzinger, Steve Jones to host 'X Factor' USA". Digital Spy. London: Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  29. ^ Steve Jones insists he is still up for US X Factor job | TV: Latest News | STV Entertainment. Entertainment.stv.tv (March 25, 2011). Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  30. ^ "Cheryl Cole is 'dropped by US X Factor'". BBC News. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  31. ^ "Singer Cheryl Cole 'Dropped By US X Factor'". Sky News. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  32. ^ "Cheryl Cole | Cheryl Cole's X Factor Exit Confirmed". Contactmusic. 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  33. ^ Ross, Dalton (2011-08-05). "Simon Cowell believes 'X Factor' can top 'Idol'". Insidetv.ew.com. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  34. ^ a b c "'The X Factor' Winner to Get $5 Million Contract". ABC News. Associated Press. February 7, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  35. ^ a b c Kearney, Christine (February 7, 2011). "U.S. X Factor to offer large record deal for winner". Reuters. Retrieved February 7, 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ Lindsay Powers, Simon Cowell's X Factor Announces Prize: $5 Million Sony Music Record Deal From the Hollywood Reporter (February 7, 2011). Retrieved on September 18, 2011.
  37. ^ Liam Allen,What is a £1m record deal? From BBC News (July 21, 2010). Retrieved on September 18, 2011.
  38. ^ Lara Martin, Cowell admits 'X Factor USA' prize nerves From Digital Spy (February 7, 2011). Retrieved on September 18, 2011.
  39. ^ Id.
  40. ^ Lindsay Powers, Simon Cowell's X Factor Announces Prize: $5 Million Sony Music Record Deal From the Hollywood Reporter (February 7, 2011). Retrieved on September 18, 2011.
  41. ^ Liam Allen, What is a £1m record deal? From BBC News (July 21, 2010). Retrieved on September 18, 2011.
  42. ^ Lara Martin, Cowell admits 'X Factor USA' prize nerves From Digital Spy (February 7, 2011). Retrieved on September 18, 2011.
  43. ^ FOX Broadcasting Company – The X Factor USA – Simon Cowell's Brand New Singing Competition Comes To America Only On FOX. Thexfactor.blogs.fox.com. Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  44. ^ 'X Factor' USA breaks audition records in LA – X Factor USA News – US TV. Digital Spy (March 27, 2011). Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  45. ^ The X Factor. On Camera Audiences. Retrieved on May 6, 2011.
  46. ^ "THE X FACTOR - Extended Preview (never-before-seen footage)!!". Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  47. ^ "Breaking News - "The X Factor" Marks Its Spot! FOX Picks Up Hit Series for Second Season". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  48. ^ "The X Factor USA - Shows". TV3. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  49. ^ "ANT1 will air US X Factor". Greece.
  50. ^ "X Factor U.S premiering on Singapore, Channel 5". xinmsn. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
  51. ^ "Studio 23 Program Schedules". Studio 23. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  52. ^ "TV3 näitab USA "X-Factori" värskeimat hooaega" (in Estonian). Elu24.ee. October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2011.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  53. ^ "Foxlife". Foxlife.pl. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  54. ^ 2011. 10. 02. 11:20 - Írta: winnie. "Emlékeztető: The X Factor US at Sorozatjunkie". Sorozatjunkie.hu. Retrieved 2011-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  55. ^ "News Corporation". Newscorp.com. 2011-06-09. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  56. ^ "Fox Broadcasting Company, Syco Television and FremantleMedia Announce Sony as Official Consumer... - SAN DIEGO, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/". California: Prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  57. ^ About 6 hours ago. "Verizon Wireless Becomes 'X Factor' Sponsor And Hawks Mobile App –". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2011-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

External links

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