The X Factor

The X Factor is a British TV music competition aiming to discover fresh singing talent through public auditions. Created by Simon Cowell, this show launched in September 2004 and has been a regular fixture from August or September until December each year. Produced by FremantleMedia’s Thames and Cowell’s SYCOtv, The X Factor airs on the ITV network in the UK and TV3 in Ireland, while the companion show, The Xtra Factor, is broadcast on ITV2. Known for creating the global X Factor franchise, the show took the place of Pop Idol, which ended after its second series when Cowell, previously a judge on Pop Idol, wanted to launch his own show with rights ownership. The two shows were so similar that it led to a legal tussle. The title’s “X Factor” refers to that indescribable quality that defines a star.

Initially, the judging team comprised Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh. Dannii Minogue came aboard in series 4, while Cheryl Cole took Osbourne’s spot in series 5 upon her exit. After series 7, with Cowell and Cole leaving for the American version and Minogue focusing on Australia’s Got Talent, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos, and Gary Barlow joined Walsh for series 8. Nicole Scherzinger stepped in for Rowland in series 9, while Osbourne returned in 2013, replacing Contostavlos. Dermot O’Leary has hosted since 2007, succeeding Kate Thornton. The contest progresses from initial auditions to a grand finale, starting with contestants singing before judges alone and evolving from series 6 to feature performances in front of live audiences. After auditions, hopefuls go through “bootcamp” and “judges’ houses,” where judges choose three or four acts to mentor in live shows, culminating in public votes for their favorite performers. Watch The X Factor (2004) online on this site. Enjoy high-quality streaming of the show on cineby and 123Movies for free.