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The X Factor [[was]] [[once]] [[a]] [[televison show]], but the Colonel pulled it and turned it into a cheap rip-off of [[Who's Line Is It Anyway]]
{{for|the series that has just concluded|The X Factor (UK series 5)}}
{{for|versions in other countries|The X Factor (TV series)}}

{{Infobox Television
| show_name = The X Factor
| image = [[Image:XFactorTitles.jpg|250px]]
| size =
| caption = ''The X Factor'' current logo (2006 – present)
| format = [[Talent show]]
| creator = [[Simon Cowell]]
| presenter = '''Main show:'''<br/> [[Dermot O'Leary]] (Series 4-) <br/> [[Kate Thornton]] (Series 1-3) <br/>'''The Xtra Factor:'''<br/>{{nowrap|[[Holly Willoughby]] (Series 5- )}}<br> [[Ben Shephard]] (Series 1-3) <br> [[Fearne Cotton]] (Series 4)
| judges = [[Simon Cowell]] (Series 1-) <br/> [[Louis Walsh]] (Series 1-) <br/> [[Dannii Minogue]] (Series 4-) <br/>[[Cheryl Cole]] (Series 5-) <br/> [[Sharon Osbourne]] (Series 1-4)
| voices = [[Peter Dickson]]<br>[[Enn Reitel]]
| country = {{UK}}
| language = English
| network = [[ITV]] <small>(''The X Factor'')</small><br/>[[ITV2]] <small>(''The Xtra Factor'')</small>
| first_aired = 4 September 2004
| last_aired = present<br>(renewed until December 2010)<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,11050-2006580460,00.html|title=£20m Si scoops highest TV deal|publisher=''The Sun''|date=18 December 2006|accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref>
| runtime = 60 – 120 minutes
| num_episodes = 15 ([[The X Factor (UK series 1)|Series 1]])<br />18 ([[The X Factor (UK series 2)|Series 2]])<br />18 ([[The X Factor (UK series 3)|Series 3]])<br />17 ([[The X Factor (UK series 4)|Series 4]]) <br />18 ([[The X Factor (UK series 5)|Series 5]])
| num_series = 5 (plus 1 celebrity series)
| producer = [[talkbackTHAMES]] (part of [[FremantleMedia]])<br />[[Syco|SYCOtv]]
| website = http://www.itv.com/xfactor
}}

'''''The X Factor''''' is a British [[television]] [[music]] [[talent show]] contested by aspiring pop singers drawn from public auditions. It is broadcast on Saturdays on the [[ITV]] Network in the UK and on [[TV3 Ireland|TV3]] in the Republic of Ireland, with spin-off "behind-the-scenes" shows ''[[#The Xtra Factor|The Xtra Factor]]'' and ''The X Factor 24/7'' screened on [[ITV2]] and TV3. It is produced by [[FremantleMedia]]'s [[talkbackTHAMES]] and [[Simon Cowell]]'s production company [[Syco|SYCOtv]]. The show is currently sponsored by the [[Carphone Warehouse]]. The "X Factor" of the title refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality.

In the initial televised audition phase of the show, contestants sing in front of the ''X Factor'' judges in the hope of getting through to the "boot camp". After a further selection process, the judges are each given a category to mentor and the chosen finalists then progress to the second phase of the competition in which the public vote on live performances. The current judges are: [[record label]] owner and [[music executive]] [[Simon Cowell]], [[pop singer]] [[Dannii Minogue]], [[music manager]] [[Louis Walsh]], and [[pop singer]] [[Cheryl Cole]].

''The X Factor'' is the biggest television talent competition in Europe, with 182,000 auditioning for [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|series 5]].<ref name=autogenerated1>{{citenews|url=http://www.xfactor.tv/news/article/?scid=24|title=The auditions begin...|publisher=The X Factor|date=20 August 2007|accessdate=2007-08-21}}</ref> The prize is a £1,000,000 ([[Pound sterling|sterling]]) recording contract with record labels [[Sony BMG]] and [[Syco]] (the latter being creator and judge [[Simon Cowell]]'s record label), 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. The show has proved hugely popular with audiences, with the series 4 final attracting 12.7 million viewers (approximately a 55% share). There have been five winners to date: [[Steve Brookstein]], [[Shayne Ward]], [[Leona Lewis]], [[Leon Jackson]] and [[Alexandra Burke]] respectively. The winner's first single is usually released around the [[Christmas]] season, in a bid to become the UK's [[Christmas number one single]]. As of series 4, each winner's single has entered the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number one, three of them being number one at Christmas (see [[#Music releases by X Factor contestants|music releases by ''X Factor'' contestants]]).

''The X Factor'' was devised as a replacement for the massively successful ''[[Pop Idol]]'', which was put on indefinite hiatus after its second series, largely because Simon Cowell wished to launch a show that he owned the television rights to. (The perceived similarity between the shows later became the subject of a [[#Legal dispute|legal dispute]].)

Versions of ''The X Factor'' have also appeared [[The X Factor (TV series)|in a number of other countries]]. The show has become a major success throughout the world, most notably in Denmark, Spain and [[Colombia]].

==Series==

:''For detailed information see the [[The X Factor (UK series 1)|Series 1]], [[The X Factor (UK series 2)|Series 2]], [[The X Factor: Battle of the Stars (UK)|The X Factor: Battle of the Stars]], [[The X Factor (UK series 3)|Series 3]], [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|Series 4]] and [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|Series 5]] articles.''

The first series of ''The X Factor'' began in September 2004 and ran to December 2004. It was hugely popular and a second series ran from August to December 2005 . A celebrity special edition ''[[The X Factor: Battle of the Stars (UK)|The X Factor: Battle of the Stars]]'' was shown from May to June 2006. The third series, sponsored by mobile phone manufacturer [[Nokia]], aired from 19 August 2006 and concluded on 16 December 2006. ''The X Factor'' producers and creator/judge Simon Cowell subsequently cancelled the show's contract with Nokia, and on 19 June 2007 it was confirmed that mobile phone retailer and ex-''Big Brother'' sponsor [[The Carphone Warehouse]] would sponsor series 4. Series 4 began broadcasting on 18 August 2007<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/1566|title=Britain's best TV listings, storylines, news and video from soaps like EastEnders|publisher=What's On TV|date=31 July 2007|accessdate=2007-07-31}}</ref> and the show was given another three year contract with ITV, so should run at least until series 7 in 2010. Series 5 began in August 2008, again sponsored by The Carphone Warehouse.

==Format==
{{The X Factor UK}}

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. The single most important attribute that the judges are seeking, however, is the ability to appeal to a mass market of pop fans.

For series 1&ndash;3 the competition was split into three categories: Solo Singers aged 16&ndash;24, Solo Singers aged 25 and over, and Vocal Groups (including duos). In series 4–5, the age limit was lowered from 16 to 14, creating a 14–24 age group. This was split into separate male and female sections,<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu9iZ7Vcx88&NR=1|title=Dannii Minogue 2007 interview|publisher=YouTube '''RELEVANT SECTION FROM 3:08'''|date=16 August 2007|accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref> making four categories in all: 14–24 males ("Boys"), 14–24 females ("Girls"), Over 25s, and Groups. For series 6, the age limit will return to 16, meaning the four categories will be: 16–24 males ("Boys"), 16–24 females ("Girls"), Over 25s, and Groups

There are five stages to ''The X Factor'' competition:
*Stage 1: Producers' auditions (these auditions decide who will sing in front of the judges)
*Stage 2: Judges' auditions
*Stage 3: Boot camp
*Stage 4: Visits to judges' houses
*Stage 5: Live shows (finals)

===Auditions===
A round of first auditions is held in front of producers months before the show is aired, either by application and appointment, or at "open" auditions that anyone can attend. These auditions, held at various venues around the UK, attract very large crowds. The auditions themselves are not televised, but shots of crowds waving and "judges' cars" arriving are filmed and later spliced in with the televised auditions shot later in the year. Selected candidates are invited back to one or more further auditions in front of the producers, and, if successful, finally called back to audition in front of the judges.

A selection of the auditions in front of the judges &ndash; usually the best, the worst and the most bizarre (described by judge Louis Walsh as "the good, the bad and the ugly"<ref>[http://www.whitbygazette.co.uk/book-reviews/Walsh39s-charm-factor.3421083.jp "Walsh's charm factor"], ''Whitby Gazette'', 30 October 2007</ref>) &ndash; are broadcast over the first few weeks of the show. Each act enters the audition room, often after waiting for hours, and delivers a stand-up unaccompanied performance of their chosen song to the judges. If a majority of the judges (two in series 1&ndash;3 or three in series 4) say "yes" then the act goes through to the next stage, otherwise the act is sent home. Much like the earlier ''Pop Idol'', many acts face harsh criticism from the judges, especially from the controversial [[Simon Cowell]].

Over 50,000 people auditioned for series 1 of ''The X Factor'',<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-330333/Wholl-1m-Xmas-present.html Who'll get a £1m Xmas present?], ''Daily Mail'', 11 December 2004</ref> around 75,000 for series 2<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4171518.stm New X Factor proves ratings hit], BBC News, 21 August 2005</ref> and around 100,000 for series 3.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/the-appeal-of-the-macdonalds-425763.html The appeal of the Macdonalds], ''The Independent on Sunday'', 25 November 2006</ref> The number of applicants for series 4 reached 150,000.<ref>{{citenews|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6951467.stm |title=All change as The X Factor returns|publisher=BBC News|date=17 August 2007|accessdate=2007-08-18}}</ref> A record 182,000 people auditioned for series 5.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2541534/X-Factors-Dannii-Minogue-says-she-wont-miss-Sharon-Osbourne.html X Factor's Dannii Minogue says she 'won't miss' Sharon Osbourne], ''Daily Telegraph'', 11 Aug 2008</ref>

===Boot camp and visits to judges' houses===
The contestants selected at audition are further refined through a series of performances at "boot camp" (held at a venue such as a country hotel or an arena), and then at the "judges' houses", until a small number eventually progress to the live finals (nine in series 1 and twelve in series 2&ndash;5). Judge Louis Walsh revealed in November 2007 that the houses the contestants visit do not actually belong to the judges, but are rented for the purpose.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7040283.stm "Walsh's X Factor house 'not his'"], BBC News, 11 October 2007</ref>

During these stages, the producers allocate each of the judges a category to mentor. In early series this allocation took place after completion of the auditions and prior to boot camp, but from series 4 all four judges have worked together at the boot camp. They collectively choose 24 acts (6 from each category) for the next round, and only then find out which category they are to mentor. The judges then disband for the "visits to the judges' houses" round, where their six acts are reduced to three for the live shows.<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.xfactor.tv/information/about-the-show/|title=The X Factor - About the show|publisher=The X Factor|date=17 August 2007|accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a71993/cowell-x-factor-judges-are-out-of-sync.html|title=Cowell: 'X Factor' judges are out of sync'|publisher=Digital Spy|date=16 August 2007|accessdate=2007-08-16}}</ref>

===Live shows===
The finals consist of a series of two live shows each Saturday evening, usually with one act eliminated each week. These live shows are filmed in studios in London. In the first few weeks of the finals, each act performs once in the first show in front of a studio audience and the judges. Acts usually sing over a pre-recorded backing track, though sometimes live musicians and backing singers are featured. Dancers are also commonly featured. Acts occasionally accompany themselves on guitar or piano (or mime an accompaniment), though almost always over a backing track.

In the first two series acts usually chose a cover of a pop standard or contemporary hit. In the third series an innovation was introduced whereby each live show had a different theme (for example, [[Motown]]), thus increasing the show's similarity to the ''[[Pop Idol]]'' format. This format continued during the most recent fourth and fifth series. The contestants' songs are chosen according to the theme, and a celebrity guest connected to the theme is invited onto the show. Clips are shown of the guest conversing with the contestants at rehearsal, and the guest also performs in the later results show, immediately before the results are announced. (See the [[The X Factor (UK series 3)|series 3]], [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|series 4]] and [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|series 5]] articles for a full list of themes and guests.) In series 1, much was made of the idea that each performer/mentor combination was free to present the performance however they wanted, including the performer playing live instruments, or the addition of choirs, backing bands, and dancers. Future series placed less emphasis on this element.

After each act has performed, the judges comment on their performance, usually focusing on vocal ability, image and stage presence. Heated disagreements, usually involving judges defending their contestants against criticism, are a regular feature of the show. Once all the acts have appeared, the phone lines open and the viewing public vote on which act they want to keep.

In the results show, screened an hour or so later, the two acts polling the fewest votes are revealed. Both these acts perform again in a "final showdown", and the judges vote on which of the two to send home. In earlier series the bottom two contestants reprised their earlier song, but starting from series 5 they are able to pick new songs. Ties became possible with the introduction of a fourth judge in series 4. In the event of a tie the show goes to deadlock, and the act who came last in the public vote is sent home. The actual number of votes cast for each act is not revealed, nor even the order; according to a spokesman, "We would never reveal the voting figures during the competition as it could give contestants an unfair advantage and spoil the competition for viewers".<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/nov/14/x-factor-laura-white-ofcom Fans of X Factor's Laura White complain to Ofcom over voting], ''The Guardian'', November 14, 2008</ref> In series 3, a twist was introduced in one of the live shows where the act with the fewest votes was automatically eliminated, and the two with the next fewest votes performed in the "final showdown" as normal.

Once the number of contestants has been reduced to four (series 1) or five (series 2–5), the format changes. Each act performs twice in the first show, with the public vote opening after the first performance. The second show reveals which act polled the fewest votes, and they are automatically eliminated from the competition (the judges do not have a vote; their only role is to comment on the performances). In series 1 the acts also reprised one of their songs in the second show.

This continues until only two (series 1 and 3) or three (series 2, 4 and 5) acts remain. These acts go on to appear in the grand final which decides the overall winner by public vote. In past series some of the failed auditionees from the early rounds have also returned for a special appearance in the final.

===Post ''X Factor''===

In series 1–3, the premise of ''The X Factor'' was that the winner would be managed in the industry by their mentor on the show. With [[music executive]] Cowell and [[Music manager|managers]] Osbourne and Walsh as judges/mentors, any of the three would be qualified to do so. Following the appointment of singer Dannii Minogue as a judge in series 4, the same principle could not universally apply. In fact, when Minogue won series 4 with [[Leon Jackson]], a new, outside manager was appointed. It is still believed that if Cowell or Walsh wins a future series then they are entitled to manage their act in the industry.

In series 1–2, the winner's debut album would be released a few months after their victory in the show. The album would contain ''some'' new material but would consist largely of [[cover version]]s. This format changed with series 3 winner [[Leona Lewis]]. Simon Cowell, Lewis's ''X Factor'' mentor and newly-appointed manager, said: "We could have gone into the studio for a month, made the record quick, and thrown it out. It would have been the wrong thing to do."<ref>{{cite news|title=Cowell defends Lewis' chart absence|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a71980/cowell-defends-lewis-chart-absence.html|publisher=Digital Spy|date=16 August 2007|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> The success of Lewis' debut album ''[[Spirit (Leona Lewis album)|Spirit]]'' ensured that the debut albums of future series winners (with Jackson as an example) would consist more of new material than of cover versions.

==Judges and presenters==
<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[Image:Series5xfactor.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The current X Factor cast: (front row, from left to right) judges '''Walsh''', '''Cole''', '''Cowell''' and '''Minogue'''. Presenters (back row, from left to right) '''O'Leary''' and '''Willoughby'''.]] -->

From series 1 to 3, ''The X Factor'' judges were [[Simon Cowell]], [[Sharon Osbourne]] and [[Louis Walsh]].

After some months of speculation and provisional lineup changes (see [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|series 4 article]]), the series 4 judges were finally confirmed in June 2007 as [[Simon Cowell]], [[Sharon Osbourne]], [[Louis Walsh]] and [[Dannii Minogue]].

Speculation also surrounded judging lineup changes for [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|series 5]], centring on whether or not Sharon Osbourne would return. On 6 June 2008 (six days before filming for series 5 was due to begin), ITV confirmed that Osbourne had left the show,<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.itv.com/Entertainment/celebrity/CelebrityNewsHoldingFolder/SharonleavesTheXFactor/default.html|title=Sharon leaves The X Factor|publisher=''ITV''|date=6 June 2008|accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> and [[Girls Aloud]] singer [[Cheryl Cole]] was confirmed as her replacement four days later. It has been confirmed that a number of other artists and managers had been approached regarding Osbourne's replacement, including former Spice Girl [[Melanie Brown]], [[Paula Abdul]], [[Sinitta]], and former [[Pop Idol]] judge [[Pete Waterman]].<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.itv.com/Entertainment/Music/MusicNews/News/CheryljoinsTheXFactor/default.html|title=Cheryl joins The X Factor|publisher=''ITV''|date=10 June 2008|accessdate=2008-06-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xfactor.tv/news/article/?scid=349|title=Cheryl is the new judge!|publisher=''ITV''|date=10 June 2008|accessdate=2008-06-10}}</ref>

The show was hosted up to series 3 by [[Kate Thornton]]. Thornton was replaced for series 4 by [[Dermot O'Leary]] who signed a contract worth £1 million to present two series of the programme on [[ITV]]. O'Leary was not forced to leave the ''[[Big Brother (UK)|Big Brother]]'' franchise and continued to present ''Big Brother'' sister shows during summer 2007. However, Dermot announced that ''[[Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack]]'' was to be his last ''Big Brother'' hosting role so he can focus on presenting ''The X Factor''.

[[Brian Friedman]], briefly a judge in series 4, has taken a role as performance coach and [[choreographer]] (billed as "Creative Director") in series 4 and 5. [[Yvie Burnett]] has been ''X Factor'' vocal coach since series 2. Voice-overs are provided by [[Peter Dickson]] and [[Enn Reitel]].

For information about ''The Xtra Factor'' presenters, see [[#The Xtra Factor|''The Xtra Factor'']] below.

=== The Judges ===

'''[[Simon Cowell]]''' (Series 1 -

Is an English artist-and-repertoire ("[[A&R]]") executive and television personality/producer, best known as a judge on such TV shows as ''[[Pop Idol]]'', ''[[American Idol]]'', ''The X Factor'', and ''[[Britain's Got Talent]]''. He is also the owner of the television production and music publishing house [[Syco]].

Cowell is notorious as a judge for his unsparingly blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults and wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities, or lack thereof. He is often parodied in pop culture. He is known for combining activities in the television and music industries, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities. He most recently featured in the seventh season of ''American Idol'' and the second series of ''Britain's Got Talent''.

'''[[Louis Walsh]]''' (Series 1 -

Is an Irish music manager, who has managed [[Girls Aloud]], [[Westlife]] and [[Boyzone]].
Walsh's first television work was in 2001, in the Irish version of ''[[Popstars]]''. The following year Walsh appeared as a judge on the UK ITV show ''[[Popstars: The Rivals]]'' with [[Pete Waterman]] and [[Geri Halliwell]]. Walsh went head to head with Waterman on the show with his all-girl band [[Girls Aloud]] battling it out with Waterman's boy band [[One True Voice]]. Girls Aloud won and their debut single "Sound of the Underground" reached #1 in the UK. Walsh managed the band to achieve a million single sales while their debut album went platinum.

Walsh also regularly appears on various talent shows on [[Radio Telefís Éireann|RTÉ]] in Ireland, the latest being ''[[You're A Star]]'': "You look like a star, you sound like a star... you are a star".

'''[[Dannii Minogue]]''' (Series 4 -

Is an Australian singer and songwriter and occasional actress, model fashion designer and TV personality. Minogue rose to prominence in the early 1980s for her roles in the Australian television talent show ''[[Young Talent Time]]'' and in the soap opera ''[[Home and Away]]'', before commencing her career as a pop singer in the early 1990s.

'''[[Cheryl Cole]]''' (Series 5 -

Is a British singer and member of the band [[Girls Aloud]]. She became a judge on the show in 2008. She is married to the [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] and England football player [[Ashley Cole]].

===Judges' categories and their finalists===
In each series, each judge is allocated a category to mentor and chooses a small number of acts (three or four, depending on the series) to progress to the live finals. This table shows, for each series, which category each judge was allocated and which acts he or she put through to the live finals. Series winners are in italics.

'''Key:'''

:{{colorbox|#BFFFC0;}} &ndash; Winning judge/category
:{{colorbox|#FFC0CB;}} &ndash; Eliminated judge/category

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! width=10% | Series
! width=18% | Simon Cowell
! width=18% | Sharon Osbourne
! width=18% | Louis Walsh
! width=18% | Dannii Minogue
! width=18% | Cheryl Cole
|-align="center"
| [[The X Factor (UK series 1)|'''One''']]
| style="background:#BFFFC0; text-align:center" | '''Over 25s'''<br><small>''[[Steve Brookstein]]'', <br>[[Rowetta Satchell]],<br> Verity Keays</small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''16-24s'''<br><small>[[Tabby Callaghan]],<br>[[Cassie Compton]],<br>Roberta Howett,<small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Groups'''<br><small>[[G4]],<br>[[Voices With Soul]],<br>2 to go,<small>
| rowspan=3 | N/A
| rowspan=4 | N/A
|- align="center"
| [[The X Factor (UK series 2)|'''Two''']]
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Groups'''<br><small>[[Journey South]],<br> [[The Conway Sisters]],<br> 4Tune,<br> Addictiv Ladies</small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Over 25s'''<br><small>[[Andy Abraham]],<br> [[Brenda Edwards]],<br> [[Chico Slimani]],<br> [[Maria Lawson]]
| style="background:#BFFFC0; text-align:center" | '''16-24s'''<br><small>''[[Shayne Ward]]'',<br> Nicholas Dorsett,<br> [[Chenai Zinyuku]],<br> [[Phillip Magee]]
|- align="center"
| [[The X Factor (UK series 3)|'''Three''']]
| style="background:#BFFFC0; text-align:center" | '''16-24s'''<br><small>''[[Leona Lewis]]'',<br> [[Ray Quinn]],<br> [[Nikitta Angus]],<br> Ashley McKenzie</small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Over 25s'''<br><small>[[Ben Mills]],<br>Robert Allen,<br> [[Kerry McGregor]]<br>[[Dionne Mitchell]]</small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Groups'''<br><small>[[The MacDonald Brothers]],<br>[[Eton Road]],<br>4sure,<br>The Unconventionals</small>
|- align="center"
| [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|'''Four''']]
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Groups'''<br><small>[[Same Difference]],<br>Hope,<br>[[Futureproof]]</small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Girls'''<br><small> [[Alisha Bennett]],<br> [[Emily Nakanda]],<br>[[Kimberley Southwick]],<small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Over 25s'''<br><small>[[Niki Evans]],<br>[[Beverley Trotman]],<br>[[Daniel DeBourg]],<small>
| style="background:#BFFFC0; text-align:center" | '''Boys''' <br><small>''[[Leon Jackson]]''<br> [[Rhydian Roberts]],<br>Andy Williams</small>
|- align="center"
| [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|'''Five''']]
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Boys'''<br><small>[[Eoghan Quigg]],<br>[[Austin Drage]], <br>[[Scott Bruton]]</small>
| rowspan=2 | N/A
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Groups'''<br><small>[[JLS]],<br>[[Girlband]],<br>[[Bad Lashes]]</small>
| style="background:#FFC0CB; text-align:center" | '''Over 25s'''<br><small>[[Ruth Lorenzo]],<br>[[Rachel Hylton]],<br> [[Daniel Evans]]</small>
| style="background:#BFFFC0; text-align:center" | '''Girls''' <br><small>''[[Alexandra Burke]]'',<br>[[Diana Vickers]],<br>[[Laura White]]</small>
|- align="center"
|}

==Ratings and Awards==
Viewing figures of around ten million were claimed for series 2 and 4. Over three million public votes were cast in the series 2 semi-final, and six million in the first part of the final. The series 3 final attracted eight million votes and 12.6 million viewers.<ref>[http://www.talkbackthames.tv/?s=news&b=29&abc=539 "The X Factor final is a rating winner"], talkbackTHAMES</ref> The series 4 final drew 12.7 million viewers – a 55% share of the terrestrial TV audience.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-x-factor-final-12-956442.html "Everything you need to know about the X Factor final 12"], ''The Independent'', 10 October 2008</ref> In series 5, 12.8 million tuned in to see the 29 November 2008 show featuring guest [[Britney Spears]], a new ''X Factor'' record.<ref>[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/article1988677.ece "Britney Xposed"], ''The Sun'', 1 December, 2008</ref>
At the [[British Comedy Awards 2005]], ''The X Factor'' beat ''[[Friday Night with Jonathan Ross]]'' and ''[[Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway]]'' to take the award for Best Comedy Entertainment Programme (rather bizarrely, since it is not intended as comedy). The award was presented by [[Ricky Gervais]]. In both 2005 and 2006, ''The X Factor'' won the award for "[[Results of the National Television Awards#2006 results and nominations|Most Popular Entertainment Programme]]" at the [[National Television Awards]]. At the same awards in 2007 the show won the "[[Results of the National Television Awards#2007 results and nominations|Most Popular Talent Show]]" category. Series [[The X Factor (UK series 1)|1]]–[[The X Factor (UK series 3)|3]] judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh were present to receive the awards.

Historically, the show has lost out in the ratings to its [[BBC]] rival ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]''. However, in early parts of the 2005 series and in 2008 so far,{{updateme}} the show has rated higher than its BBC 1 counterpart. It rates as [[ITV]]'s most popular program whilst it airs; the first format (along with ''[[Britain's Got Talent]]'') in years to knock ''[[Coronation Street]]'' off the top.
The programme has typically been an awards show favourite, having been crowned "Best Talent Show" for two years. However, it has more recently lost out to ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'' at the [[TV Quick]] Awards, [[TRIC Awards]] and [[National Television Awards]], all in 2008, despite overtaking it in the ratings.

==The Republic of Ireland==
Series 1-4 of the "UK" version of ''The X Factor'' effectively included the [[Republic of Ireland]] on an equal footing, and viewers in the republic were able to vote in these series via [[SMS]] or telephone. However for series 5 in 2008, the decision was made to discontinue Republic of Ireland voting, with no explanation given by ITV. The first series was available to viewers only through the [[Northern Ireland]] based ITV station [[UTV]] which is widely available in the Republic of Ireland, but subsequent series have been shown on the republic's terrestrial TV station [[TV3 Ireland|TV3]]. The show has held auditions in [[Ballsbridge]], [[Dublin]] and [[Belfast]] for all series, and also in other Irish cities over past series. Acts from the Republic reached the finals in series 1 ([[Tabby Callaghan]] and Roberta Howett) and series 2 ([[The Conway Sisters]]). Northern Irish finalists have included Phillip Magee (series 2) and [[Eoghan Quigg]] (series 5).

== ''The Xtra Factor'' ==
'''''The Xtra Factor''''' is a companion show that airs on digital channel [[ITV2]] and on [[TV3 Ireland]] on Saturday nights. It features behind-the-scenes footage of ''The X Factor'' and shows the emotional responses of the contestants after the judges comment on their performances.

Cameras follow the finalists during their day, and some of the footage is aired in a spin-off show '''''The Xtra Factor: The Aftermath''''', which is broadcast in the middle of the week on ITV2. '''''The Xtra Factor: Xcess All Areas''''' is a live show in which there are interviews, games and trips around the contestants' homes. The show also lets viewers know which songs the contestants will be singing in the next live show.

''The Xtra Factor'' was hosted up to series 3 by [[Ben Shephard]]. The voiceover on series 1 to 3 was [[Peter Dickson]]. Shephard did not return for series 4 after being upset at not getting the main ITV presenting job,<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,11050-2007200238,00.html|title=Ben Shephard Exits X Factor|publisher=[[The Sun]]|date=2 May 2007|accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/latest/tm_headline=x-factor-ben-quits%26method=full%26objectid=19031113%26siteid=89520-name_page.html|title=Ben Shephard leaves Xtra Factor|publisher=[[The Daily Mirror]]|date=2 May 2007|accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref> and [[Fearne Cotton]] took over as host, for the fourth series only, before leaving the show to concentrate on her career in the US.<ref> {{citenews|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a88719/cotton-quits-x-factor-role-for-us.html|title=Cotton quits ''X Factor'' role for US|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=6 February 2008|accessdate=2007-05-09}}
</ref><ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2007210332,00.html|title=Fearne Cotton to host Xtra Factor|publisher=[[The Sun]]|date=9 May 2007|accessdate=2007-05-09}}
</ref> Allegations of a falling-out with Simon Cowell were also reported.<ref>[http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/1805_holly_willoughby.shtml "TV Holly Willoughby's nice F-earner"], ''News of The World''</ref> For [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|series 5]], Cotton was replaced by presenter and close friend, [[Holly Willoughby]].<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/2008/06/04/holly-willoughby-to-host-itv2-s-xtra-factor-89520-20594247/|title=Holly to host ITV2's Xtra Factor|publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=4 June 2008|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1245716.ece|title=Holly has Xtra Factor|publisher=[[The Sun]]|date=4 June 2008|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a97366/holly-willoughby-to-present-xtra-factor.html|title=Holly Willoughby to present 'Xtra Factor'|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=4 June 2008|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> Willoughby first presented ''The Xtra Factor'' on 9 August 2008, a week before series 5 began airing. The first show recapped on [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|series 4]] of ''The X Factor'' and revisited the series 4 finalists.

== ''The X Factor Live'' ==
''The X Factor Live'' is a live show that tours the UK and Ireland in the new year, following the conclusion of the TV series. It features an array of finalists and other memorable contestants from the most recent ''X Factor'' series.

==''The X Factor: Battle of the Stars''==
:''Main article and detailed results: [[The X Factor: Battle of the Stars]]''
[[Image:TheXFactorBOTS.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''The X Factor: Battle of the Stars'' logo]]
'''''The X Factor: Battle of the Stars''''' was a celebrity special edition of ''The X Factor'', which screened on ITV, starting on 29 May 2006 and lasting for eight consecutive nights. ''[[Pop Idol]]'' was meant to air in its place as ''Celebrity Pop Idol'' but was stopped shortly before transmission, when ITV picked ''The X Factor'' over it.

Nine celebrity acts participated, singing live in front of the nation and facing the judges of the previous ''The X Factor'' series, Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh. Voting revenues were donated to the celebrities' chosen charities.

The contestants were [[Michelle Marsh (model)|Michelle Marsh]], [[Nikki Sanderson]], [[Matt Stevens (rugby player)|Matt Stevens]], [[Lucy Benjamin]], [[Gillian McKeith]], [[Chris Moyles]], [[Paul Daniels]] and [[Debbie McGee]], [[James Hewitt]] and [[Rebecca Loos]], and "The Chefs", a quartet of celebrity chefs comprising [[Jean-Christophe Novelli]], [[Aldo Zilli]], [[Paul Rankin]] and [[Ross Burden]].

The winner of the show was [[Lucy Benjamin]], mentored by [[Louis Walsh]].<ref>[http://www.examiner.ie/breaking/index.aspx?c=ireland&jp=cwgbkfojcwgb "Loos, Hewitt booted off X Factor"], ''Irish Examiner'', 2 June 2006</ref>

It was reported on 26 August 2006 that Simon Cowell had axed the show, describing it as "pointless" and adding "we are never going to do it again".<ref>[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-10654,00.html "Simon scraps Celeb X Factor"], ''The Sun'', August 26, 2006</ref>

==Controversy and criticism==
===Judges and presenters===
In [[The X Factor (UK series 1)|series 1]], [[tabloid]] reports claimed that the show was fixed, after Louis Walsh allegedly cheated and tried to help a band that he had previously managed to get through to the final stages. Footage of Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne coaching contestants to argue back to the judges was also being sold over the [[Internet]] to the highest bidder.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a15585/x-factor-judge-accused-of-cheating.html "'X Factor' judge accused of cheating"], ''Digital Spy''</ref>

Shortly before the first ever live show, Sharon Osbourne claimed that Simon Cowell had "rigged" the show by editing footage to make his contestants more appealing to viewers.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a16468/osbourne-brands-cowell-fg-wr.html "Osbourne brands Cowell "f*****g w****r""], ''Digital Spy''</ref>

The show received a record number of complaints in December 2004, after Sharon Osbourne made a verbal attack on Steve Brookstein in the series 1 finale.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a17748/sharon-osbourne-facing-x-factor-axe.html "Sharon Osbourne facing 'X Factor' axe?"], ''Digital Spy''</ref> As a result, her future on the show was uncertain, but she later made an apology<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a17836/osbourne-apologises-for-x-factor-rant.html "Osbourne apologises for 'X Factor' rant"], ''Digital Spy''</ref> and was allowed to return.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a18805/osbourne-to-return-for-x-factor-2.html " Osbourne to return for 'X Factor 2'"], ''Digital Spy''</ref>

Sharon and Louis were criticised in [[The X Factor (UK series 2)|series 2]] for tactical voting, due to an alleged pact against Simon Cowell carried forward from the [[The X Factor (UK series 1)|first series]].<ref>[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-123823444.html "The axe factor for Cowell"], ''The People''</ref> Later in the same series Louis was heavily criticised for casting the deciding vote to keep Irish group [[The Conway Sisters]] in the show at the expense of the popular [[Maria Lawson (British singer)|Maria Lawson]], especially after it was revealed that he had worked with the Conways personally prior to the show.<ref>[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005530125,00.html "X-Factor Maria's agony"], ''The Sun''</ref> The Conway Sisters had supported [[Westlife]], a band managed by Louis, on one of their tours. On one occasion, judge [[Louis Walsh]] announced after the live Saturday show that he would quit the series, claiming that the other two judges had been "bullying" him.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a26532/louis-walsh-quits-the-x-factor.html] Louis Quits ''X Factor''? ''[[Digital Spy]]''</ref> This included various verbal assaults on Louis, and [[Sharon Osbourne]] even throwing water over him, live on air. Louis' announcement was claimed by many to be a publicity stunt, especially when he decided to return to the show the following Saturday night.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a26576/walsh-agrees-x-factor-come-back-deal.html] Louis agrees comeback deal http://www.digitalspy.co.uk</ref>

In [[series]] [[5]], during a live broadcast, [[Dannii Minogue]] broke down in tears after fellow judge [[Louis Walsh]] accused her of "stealing" a song for one of her acts that he had wanted for one of his. This came on the back of Louis telling the press during the week how heartless Dannii was and that she should be sacked. Fellow judge [[Simon Cowell]] came to Dannii's defence and twice rounded on Louis, forcing him to apologise to Dannii over his treatment of her. Going into the commercial break, Dannii left the panel to go backstage, as did fellow judge [[Cheryl Cole]], but at the end of the break Dannii had not returned and viewers assumed that she had stormed off. However, during a contestant VT she appeared back on the panel and continued with the rest of the show. Later on the ITV2 broadcast, Simon once again defended Dannii's actions and called Louis "childish".

===Contestants===
In [[The X Factor (UK series 3)|series 3]], one boyband, called Avenue, were accused of cheating. It emerged that they already had a management deal with music mogul Ashley Tabor, who reportedly hoped to use the show in order to publicise the boys.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/northernireland/2006/09/09/simon-and-louis-have-been-duped-they-re-livid-89520-17713860/] Simon and Louis Have Been Duped, They're Livid ''Daily Mirror''</ref> It was also revealed that one of the members, Jamie Tinker, once had a recording contract with Simon Cowell's recording company SonyBMG, though this was judged not to be against the rules of the show.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a36917/x-factor-boyband-cause-more-controversy.html] 'X Factor' boyband cause more controversy ''Digital Spy''</ref> The boys later lost their places in the final 12,<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/archive/2006/09/26/x-factor-boyband-dumped-89520-17818907/] X-Factor Boyband Dumped ''Daily Mirror''</ref> though they insisted that they were not cheats.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/northernireland/2006/10/07/axed-89520-17888625/] Axed, but boyband Avenue insist they're not cheats''Daily Mirror''</ref>

During [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|series 4]] the producers discovered that Sisi Jghalef, a member of six-piece girl group Hope, had a criminal conviction in contravention of the show's rules. Sisi was asked to leave, and Hope, who had already been selected as finalists, continued as a five-piece.

Later in [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|series 4]], 15-year-old Emily Nakanda pulled out of the show after being discovered in a "[[happy slapping]]" video, in which she apparently attacks another girl. Both her mentor, Sharon Osbourne and her family were said to be upset with her behaviour. She was given the option of leaving of her own accord or being forced out, and she chose to withdraw.<ref> [http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/article417626.ece "Emily axed from the X Factor"], ''The Sun'', 3 November 2007</ref><ref>http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20071102/ten-x-factor-emily-quits-over-attack-5f8abb3_1.html</ref>

The lowering of the minimum contestant age from 16 to 14 in series 4 attracted criticism from some quarters. Groups such as the Family and Parenting Institute expressed concern that children of this age might be not be sufficiently emotionally robust to cope with the experience.<ref>[http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article1499689.ece "X Factor children will risk Cowell barbs"], ''The Times'', March 12, 2007</ref>

After the second audition episode of [[The X Factor (UK series 5)|series 5]] had aired, Simon Cowell vowed to make changes to the show by reducing the emphasis on contestants' "sob stories", conceding that they had been "out of hand" in the previous series and viewers were "starting not to believe them".<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/08/24/x-factor-simon-cowell-says-stop-all-the-sobbing-115875-20710175/|title=X Factor: Simon Cowell says stop all the sobbing|publisher=''Sunday Mirror''|date=24 August 2008|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref>

Series 5 auditionee Alan Turner was later criticised in the press for allegedly lying to the judges in his original audition. Turner had told the panel that he had been fostered since the age of four, did not know his real parents and had been sexually abused aged four, but his father and uncle publicly disputed the claims.<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/08/26/x-factor-hopeful-exposed-as-a-fake-115875-20712220/|title=X Factor hopeful exposed as a fake|publisher=''Daily Mirror''|date=26 August 2008|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref> Producers vowed to stand by the hopeful, who had been put through to boot camp, insisting that his place on the show was "never in jeopardy".<ref>{{citenews|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7583921.stm|title=X Factor denies contestant claims|publisher=''BBC News''|date=27 August 2008|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref> Meanwhile, Turner insisted that the show's editing had made him appear dishonest.<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/08/28/exclusive-x-factor-faker-alan-turner-talks-to-the-mirror-115875-20714372/|title=X Factor faker Alan Turner talks to the Mirror|publisher=''Daily Mirror''|date=28 August 2008|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref> His mother later claimed that her son had made false claims which had "hurt [her] beyond belief".<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline=fostered-he-did-karaoke-with-us-a-few-weeks-ago&method=full&objectid=20718724&siteid=93463-name_page.html|title=Fostered?! He did kareoke with us a few weeks ago|publisher=''The People''|date=31 August 2008|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref> On one episode, Simon Cowell was shown to have asked Alan face-to-face whether his story was true, and was satisfied that indeed it was. Ultimately, however, Turner would be eliminated at the final stage before the live shows.

===Auditions===

There is anecdotal evidence from blogs and discussion forums that some of the first-round ''X-Factor'' audition sessions held in front of the producers have been poorly organised, with auditionees forced to wait for many hours outside in the cold with few facilities and little information about when they will be seen. Attendees have also complained about queue-jumping, exorbitantly priced refreshments, the very short period of audition time that they are given, and the fact that selection decisions are left in the hands of unqualified production staff. It has been alleged that some of the "open" audition events are simply an opportunity for producers to get shots of large crowds, rather than a serious attempt to find talented contestants.<ref>See, for example, [http://www.waveguide.co.uk/news080420.htm], [http://xfactorblog.co.uk/2006/06/14/get-ready-for-the-manchester-x-factor-open-auditions-18-june-2006/]</ref>

It is claimed that some talentless contestants &mdash; described by one journalist as "sad no-hopers picked so the judges can mock them" &mdash; are deliberately sent forward to the televised audition rounds simply to provide entertainment value.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=484597&in_page_id=1773 "The Fix Factor: Just how real is Simon Cowell's hit show?"]. ''Daily Mail'', 29th September 2007</ref> The fact that auditionees will have had to attend as many as four producers' auditions before being selected to face the celebrity judges lends considerable credence to this claim.

===Accusations of staging===
There have been suggestions that much of the controversy surrounding the show, such as the bickering between the judges, is deliberately orchestrated to attract publicity, and that some supposedly "spontaneous" scenes are rehearsed or refilmed.<ref>[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/article72622.ece "G4: X Factor is just panto"], ''The Sun'', 25 Nov 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=484597&in_page_id=1773 "The Fix Factor: Just how real is Simon Cowell's hit show?"], ''Daily Mail''</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6948218.stm ITV admits staging X Factor shots], BBC News, 15 August 2007</ref>

Several contestants have alleged that they were manipulated by the show's producers. Series 4 finalist Rhydian Roberts reportedly complained that he was "stitched up" and "unfairly edited to look like an idiot",<ref>[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article315996.ece "Do you want Rhyd of me?"], ''The Sun'', 9 October 2007</ref> and in series 5 Rachel Hylton claimed that she was "set up" and "exploited" by TV bosses.<ref>[http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/xfactor/88014/X-Factor-reject-Rachel-Hylton-rages-at-Simon-Cowell.html I was exploited and undermined – Raging Rachel lets rip at Simon Cowell & Co], ''News of the World'', 20 November 2008</ref>

===Legal dispute=== <!-- linked from intro -->
[[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.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4462378.stm "X Factor copyright case adjourned"], BBC News, retrieved 15 May 2007</ref> 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.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4482216.stm "X Factor copyright case settled"], BBC News, retrieved 15 May 2007</ref>

===Voting irregularities===
After [[The X Factor (UK series 3)|series 3]], it was discovered that ITV had overcharged viewers who voted via interactive television by a total of approximately £200,000. ITV said a data inputting error was to blame and that they would refund anybody affected on production of a telephone bill. They also indicated that they would make a £200,000 donation to [[Childline]].<ref>{{cite news
|title= Reality Show Rip-Off
|url= http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1253691,00.html
|publisher= [[Sky News]]
|date= 28 February 2007
|accessdate= 2007-02-28
}}</ref> This error, and those by other broadcasters, eventually led to a temporary suspension of all ITV's phone-in services on 5 March pending an audit and meeting with [[ICSTIS]]. The suspension of phone-in programming also saw [[ITV Play]] "temporarily" taken off air. ITV Play never came back, and was replaced on Freeview by ITV2+1.

In October 2007, it emerged that "serious technical issues" had resulted in viewer votes being ignored in the series two final, though it was found that the problems did not "alter the actual outcome" of the vote.<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a78001/x-factor-final-hit-by-phone-scandal.html "'X Factor' final hit by phone scandal], ''Digital Spy''</ref> ITV put in place a scheme which allowed affected consumers to be offered refunds.<ref name=autogenerated2 />

Following the result of the series 4 final, won by [[Leon Jackson]], media watchdog [[Ofcom]] received a number of complaints from viewers who said that they were unable to register their vote for [[Rhydian Roberts]], despite trying up to ten times.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7147931.stm "Watchdog looks into X Factor vote"], BBC News, 17 December 2007, retrieved 2007-12-17 &mdash; Many fans believe that the contest was somehow rigged to the benefit of [[Leon Jackson]]. Though unproven, there were 'apparently' thousands of votes that were not properly counted.</ref> After complaints topped 1,100, ITV issued a statement which assured viewers that "Leon won The X Factor fair and square" and did so with a winning margin of 10%.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a81948/itv-defends-leons-x-factor-win.html "ITV defends Leon's 'X Factor' win], ''Digital Spy''</ref> A subsequent Ofcom investigation found that Roberts had not been unfairly disadvantaged and that 0.99% of viewers that called couldn't get through to vote for Roberts, compared to 1% for Jackson.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin, Issue number 108, 8 May 2008|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/obb/prog_cb/obb108/bb108.pdf}}</ref>

In week two of series five, fans of contestant [[Ruth Lorenzo]] complained that at one point during the live show the incorrect number was displayed on screen. Lorenzo ended up ranked in the bottom two alongside Girlband. ITV denied that the mistake affected the result. A spokesperson commented: "During one short sequence, a single digit was missing from Ruth Lorenzo's vote number. The incorrect number was on screen for less than three seconds, and this was accompanied by an audio announcement giving the correct number. The error would not have changed the outcome of the vote. The mistake was that the digits 0901 61 61 10 were shown instead of 0901 61 61 110."<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a133440/x-factor-bosses-play-down-phone-error.html</ref>

Controversy about ''X Factor'' voting arose again in week 5 of series 5 following the surprise elimination of Laura White, who had been considered one of the most talented finalists. Thousands of viewers complained to [[Ofcom]] about a lack of transparency in the voting, saying that they could not get through to vote for White, or that their votes had been miscounted. ITV denied all allegations, stating that there were "absolutely no issues with the phone lines or the voting system".<ref>[http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOrqpRmh8_5MSn2N1gyBfhxbgdQw X Factor fans urge phone vote probe], ''The Press Association'', November 13, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a135528/x-factor-bosses-issue-laura-statement.html 'X Factor' bosses issue Laura statement], ''Digital Spy'', November 13, 2008</ref>

===Product placement===

In [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|series 4]], media watchdog [[Ofcom]] upheld a complaint that ''The Xtra Factor'' had inappropriately featured close-up shots of the products of then sponsor Nokia.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6641613.stm Nokia drops X Factor sponsorship], BBC News, 10 May 2007</ref>

== Music releases by ''X Factor'' contestants ==
===Singles===
Several singles released by contestants in ''The X Factor'' have reached the top twenty in the [[UK Singles Chart]], eight of them reaching number one. Following the release of [[Leona Lewis]]' single "[[Bleeding Love]]", the series 3 winner became the most successful contestant from the show, with the song reaching the number one spot in 34 countries around the world, including on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] in the US. Though other contestants have also had chart success, only Leona Lewis has achieved any significant success on an international scale, with her second worldwide single, "[[Better in Time]]", sharing similar success to its predecessor. Her third and fourth worldwide singles, "[[Forgive Me (Leona Lewis song)|Forgive Me]]" and "[[Run (Snow Patrol song)|Run]]" have also achieved international success, with the latter reaching #1 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Shayne Ward has also had chart success in parts of Asia and South Africa as well as top ten singles in Denmark and the Czech Republic in 2008.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Artist !! Title !! Year !! Peak position !! UK sales !! Certification
|-
| [[Steve Brookstein]] || "[[Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)|Against All Odds]]" || 2005 ||align="center"| 1 ||align="right"| 100,000 ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[G4 (band)|G4]] || "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]" || 2005 ||align="center"| 9 ||align="right"| 70,000 ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Shayne Ward]] || "[[That's My Goal]]" || 2005 ||align="center"| 1 ||align="right"| 1,300,000 ||align="center"| 2x Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32503|title=That's My Goal|publisher=[[BPI]]|date=2006-01-13|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref>
|-
| [[Chico Slimani]] || "[[It's Chico Time]]" || 2006 ||align="center"| 1 ||align="right"| ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Shayne Ward]] || "[[No Promises]]" || 2006 ||align="center"| 2 ||align="right"| 200,000 ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Shayne Ward]] || "[[Stand by Me (Shayne Ward song)|Stand by Me]]" || 2006 ||align="center"| 14 ||align="right"| 25,000 ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Andy Abraham]] || "December Brings Me Back to You" || 2006 ||align="center"| 18 ||align="right"| 30,000 ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Chico Slimani]] || "[[D.I.S.C.O]]" || 2006 ||align="center"| 24 || ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Maria Lawson (singer)|Maria Lawson]] || "[[Sleepwalking (song)|Sleepwalking]]" || 2006 ||align="center"| 20 ||align="right"| 20,000 ||align="center"| -
|-
| [[Leona Lewis]] || "[[A Moment Like This]]" || 2006 ||align="center"| 1 ||align="right" | 890,000 ||align="center"| Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32826|title=A Moment Like This|publisher=BPI|date=2007-01-05|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref>
|-
| [[Shayne Ward]] || "[[No U Hang Up]]" / "[[If That's OK with You]]" || 2007 ||align="center"| 2 ||align="right"|150,000 ||align="center"|
|-
| [[Leona Lewis]] || "[[Bleeding Love]]" || 2007 || align="center"| 1 ||align="right"| 880,000 ||align="center"| Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=33133|title=Bleeding Love|publisher=BPI|date=2008-01-18|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>
|-
| [[Shayne Ward]] || "[[Breathless (Shayne Ward song)|Breathless]]" || 2007 || align="center"| 6 ||align="right"| 102,000 ||align="center"|
|-
| [[Leon Jackson]] || "[[When You Believe]]" || 2007 || align="center"| 1 ||align="right"| 460,000||align="center"|
|-
| [[Leona Lewis]] || "[[Better in Time]]" / "[[Footprints in the Sand (song)|Footprints In The Sand]]" || 2008 || align="center"| 2 ||align="right"|226,000||align="center"| Silver
|-
| [[Andy Abraham]] || "[[Even If]]" || 2008 || align="center"| 67 ||align="right"| ||align="center"|
|-
| [[Maria Lawson (singer)|Maria Lawson]] ||"[[Breaking Me Down (song)|Breaking Me Down]]" || 2008 ||align="center"| 110 ||align="center"| TBA ||
|-
| [[Niki Evans]] || "[[Love Me No More]]" || 2008 ||align="center" |105 ||align="center"|TBA||
|-
| [[Leon Jackson]] || "[[Don't Call This Love]]" || 2008 || align="center"| 3 ||align="center"|TBA||
|-
| [[List of The X Factor finalists (UK series 5)|The X Factor finalists]]|| [[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|"Hero"]] || 2008 ||align="center"|1 ||align="center"| 600,000+ ||align="center"|TBA
|-||
| [[Leona Lewis]] || "[[Forgive Me (Leona Lewis song)|Forgive Me]]" || 2008 || align="center"| 5 ||align="center"|60,000+||
|-
| [[Same Difference]] ||"[[We R One]]" || 2008 ||align="center"| 13 ||align="center"| TBA ||
|-
| [[Leon Jackson]] || "[[Creative (song)|Creative]]" || 2008 || align="center"| 94 ||align="center"|TBA||
|-
| [[Leona Lewis]] || "[[Run (Leona Lewis cover)|Run]]" || 2008 || align="center"| 1 ||align="center"|133,500+||
|-
| [[Alexandra Burke]] || "[[Hallelujah (Alexandra Burke song)|Hallelujah]]"<ref>[http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/entertainment/X+Factor+winners+song+announced-60320.html], ''X Factor winners song announced'', 06 December 2008</ref> || 2008 ||align="center"| TBA ||align="center"| TBA ||
|-
| [[Maria Lawson (singer)|Maria Lawson]] ||"These Walls" || 2009 ||align="center"| TBA ||align="center"| TBA ||
|-
| [[Leona Lewis]] ||"I Will Be" || 2009 ||align="center"| TBA ||align="center"| TBA ||
|}

Three winners' singles in a row have achieved the Christmas number one spot: "That's My Goal" (Shayne Ward), "A Moment Like This" (Leona Lewis) and "When You Believe" (Leon Jackson).

===Albums===
This first list only includes contestants with at least one certified album, and the totals do not include pre-''X-Factor'' recordings, digital-only albums or EPs.

'''''Silver, Gold, Platinum, and/or Multi-Platinum (UK Sales Only)'''''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Former Contestant<br/>Total Sales
! Debut Album
! Second Album
! Third Album
|-
|'''1.'''
| |'''[[Leona Lewis]]''' <br><small>(Series 3, Winner)</small><br>2,235,749<br>Worldwide 6million+
|''[[Spirit (Leona Lewis album)|Spirit]]'' <small><br>(9 November 2007) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>2,235,749<br><small>7xPlatinum<ref>[http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=33132 Platinum Awards Content<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br>Peak: #1<br>Deluxe Edition Peak: #1</small>
|
|
|-
|'''2.'''
| '''[[G4 (band)|G4]]''' <br><small>(Series 1, Runner-Up)</small> <br>1,500,000
| ''[[G4 (album)|G4]]'' <br><small>(28 February 2005) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>800,000<br><small>Double Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32162|title=G4|publisher=BPI|date=2005-03-25|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #1</small>
| ''[[G4 & Friends]]'' <br><small>(28 November 2005) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>400,000<br><small>Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32449|title=G4 & Friends|publisher=BPI|date=2005-12-09|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #6</small>
|''[[Act Three]]'' <br><small>(27 November 2006) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>300,000<br><small>Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32821|title=Act Three|publisher=BPI|date=2007-01-05|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #21</small>
|-
|'''3.'''
| '''[[Shayne Ward]]''' <br><small>(Series 2, Winner)</small> <br>1,000,000
| ''[[Shayne Ward (album)|Shayne Ward]]'' <br><small>(17 April 2006) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>530,000 <br><small>Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32503|title=Shayne Ward|publisher=BPI|date=2006-04-21|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #1
| ''[[Breathless (Shayne Ward album)|Breathless]]'' <br><small>(26 November 2007) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>470,000 <br><small>Platinum<br>Peak: #2
|
|-
|'''4.'''
| '''[[Journey South]]''' <br><small>(Series 2, 3rd Place)</small> <br>630,000
| ''[[Journey South (album)|Journey South]]'' <br><small>(20 March 2005) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>600,000 <br><small>Double Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32568|title=Journey South|publisher=BPI|date=2006-03-24|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #1</small>
| ''[[Home (Journey South album)|Home]]'' <br><small>(22 October 2007) <br>Anca</small> <br>30,000<br><small>N/A<br>Peak: #43</small>
|
|-
|'''5.'''
| '''[[Andy Abraham]]''' <br><small>(Series 2, Runner-Up)</small> <br>363,000
| ''[[The Impossible Dream (album)|The Impossible Dream]]'' <br><small>(20 March 2006) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>300,000<br><small>Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32578|title=The Impossible Dream|publisher=BPI|date=2006-03-31|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #2</small>
| ''[[Soul Man (album)|Soul Man]]'' <br><small>(13 November 2006) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>60,000<br><small>Silver<br>Peak: #19</small>
| ''Even If'' <br><small>(2 June 2008) <br>Pinnacle Records</small> <br>3,000<br><small>N/A<br>Peak: Failed To Chart</small>
|-
|'''6.'''
|'''[[Ray Quinn]]''' <br><small>(Series 3, Runner-Up)</small> <br>315,000
| ''[[Ray Quinn (album)|Ray Quinn]]'' <br><small>(12 March 2007) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>315,000<br><small>Platinum<br>Peak: #1</small>
|
|
|-
|'''7.'''
| '''[[Steve Brookstein]]''' <br><small>(Series 1, Winner)</small> <br>257,000
| ''[[Heart and Soul]]'' <br><small>(9 May 2005) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>250,000 <br><small>Gold<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32209|title=Heart and Soul|publisher=BPI|date=2005-05-27|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref><br>Peak: #1</small>
| ''40,000 Things'' <br><small>(9 October 2006) <br>Numunu Records</small> <br>7,000<br><small>N/A<br>Peak: #165</small>
|
|-
|'''8.'''
| '''[[Rhydian]]''' <br><small>(Series 4, Runner-Up)</small> <br>150,000
| ''[[Rhydian]]'' <br><small>(12 March 2007) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>150,000<br><small>Gold<br>Peak: #3</small>
|
|
|-
|'''9.'''
| '''[[Ben Mills]]''' <br><small>(Series 3, 3rd place)</small> <br>130,000
| ''Picture of You'' <br><small>(24 November 2008) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>130,000<br><small>Gold<br>Peak: #3</small>
|
|
|-
|'''10.'''
| '''[[Leon Jackson]]''' <br><small>(Series 4, Winner)</small> <br>75,000
| ''[[Right Now (Leon Jackson album)|Right Now]]'' <br><small>(20 October 2008) <br>Sony BMG</small> <br>75,000<br><small>Silver<br>Peak: #4</small>
|
|
|-
|}

A comprehensive list of other ''X Factor'' alumni album sales reflects the fact that commercial success can be achieved through association with ''The X Factor'' and with post-''X-Factor'' promotion, although the degree of success varies considerably. (This list only includes contestants who have no certified albums and again does not include pre-''X-Factor'' recordings):

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
!Former Contestant
!Total Sales
!Albums
|-
|'''11.'''
|[[The MacDonald Brothers]] <br><small>(Series 3, 4th Place)</small></br>
|25,000
|
* ''The MacDonald Bros'' (2 April 2007) #18
* ''The World Outside'' (15 October 2007) #28
* ''With Love'' (8 February 2008) <small>Failed To Chart</small>
|-
|'''12.'''
|[[Maria Lawson (singer)|Maria Lawson]] <br><small>(Series 2, 8th Place)</small></br>
|19,000
|
* ''[[Maria Lawson (album)|Maria Lawson]]'' (28 August 2006) #41
* ''[[Emotional Rollercoaster (album)|Emotional Rollercoaster]]'' (January 2009) #TBA
|-
|'''13.'''
|[[Rowetta Satchell]] <small><br>(Series 1, 4th Place)</small></br>
|10,000
|
* ''Rowetta'' (3 October 2005) #89
|-
|}

==Merchandise==
*''The X Factor Revealed The Greatest Auditions Ever'' (Series 1 DVD)
*''The X Factor Greatest Auditions Ever'' (Series 2 DVD)
*''The X Factor Revealed'' (Series 3 DVD)
*''Access All Areas'' (Book)
*Interactive DVD Game
*The X Factor Chocolate Board Game
*The X Factor Sing (Karaoke Game)
*The X Factor Top Trumps (Released November 2008)

==Transmissions==
===Series===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Series !! Start date !! End date
|-
| '''[[The X Factor (UK series 1)|1]]''' || 4 September 2004 || 11 December 2004
|-
| '''[[The X Factor (UK series 2)|2]]''' || 20 August 2005 || 17 December 2005
|-
| '''[[The X Factor (UK series 3)|3]]''' || 19 August 2006 || 16 December 2006
|-
| '''[[The X Factor (UK series 4)|4]]''' || 18 August 2007 || 15 December 2007
|-
| '''[[The X Factor (UK series 5)|5]]''' || 16 August 2008 || 13 December 2008
|-
|}

===Specials===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Series !! Start date !! End date
|-
| '''Battle of the Stars''' || 29 May 2006 || 5 June 2006
|}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{itv.com|id=xfactor|title=''The X Factor''}}
*{{stv.tv|id=xfactor|title=''The X Factor''}}

Unofficial Websites

*[http://xfactor-updates.com ''X Factor UK News and Updates''] X Factor UK News and Updates
*[http://www.xfactorcommunity.com ''X Factor Community''] X Factor Community!
*[http://www.myspace.com/thexfactoruk ''The X Factor''] Official MySpace page
*{{imdb title|id=0423776|title=The X Factor}}
*[http://www.talkbackthames.tv/index.php?s=programmes&b=14&bc=17&abc=84 ''The X Factor''] at talkbackthames.tv
*[http://www.xfactornews.com ''The X Factor 2008 - The latest X Factor Downloads, News and Gossip Daily''] at xfactornews.com
*[http://www.thexfactor.com ''The X Factor - Show News & Gossip''] at thexfactor.com
*[http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/category/x-factor/ ''The X Factor''] at Unreality TV
*[http://www.xfactorodds.co.uk/ ''The X Factor Guide & News''] Guide to the X Factor
*[http://www.x-cetera.forumotion.com/ "X-cetera Forums"] - unofficial discussion boards

{{The X Factor}}
{{The X Factor series}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:X Factor, The}}
[[Category:The X Factor|The X Factor]]
[[Category:2000s British television series]]
[[Category:2004 television series debuts]]
[[Category:British reality television series]]
[[Category:ITV television programmes]]
[[Category:Television series by FremantleMedia]]

[[cy:The X Factor]]

Revision as of 13:01, 15 December 2008

The X Factor was once a televison show, but the Colonel pulled it and turned it into a cheap rip-off of Who's Line Is It Anyway

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