X Factor

X Factor is the Italian version of the British singing-competition format that puts aspiring vocalists through open auditions, category-based mentoring and live televised rounds judged by a rotating panel. Contestants perform in front of judges and audiences, and public voting decides who continues each week. The show mixes high-energy performances with quieter mentor sessions and personal backstories, aiming to turn standout acts into mainstream recording artists. Contestants compete for industry exposure and recording opportunities, with episodes balancing big production numbers and intimate coaching moments to keep viewers engaged.

Created by Simon Cowell and directed by Luigi Antonini, X Factor Italy premiered on Rai 2 and moved to Sky Uno in 2011. Fremantle Italia has produced it since season seven, and Giorgia hosts from 2024, with rotating judges.

Audience response leans positive, shown by a 7.455/10 average from 11 votes. Reviewers highlight the dynamic judge panels, with recent names like Jake La Furia, Paola Iezzi, Achille Lauro and Francesco Gabbani, and they remark on the show's blend of mentorship, televised drama and pop-oriented performances, and steady TV viewership.

X Factor helped normalize large-scale televised auditions and live public voting in Italy, shifting the TV talent landscape. The switch from Rai to Sky underscored cost pressures, while radio tie-ins evolved, with RTL 102.5 becoming the official station from season eleven, increasing cross-platform exposure widely.

The series hasn't been a fixture at major international award ceremonies; instead its recognition is reflected in national TV ratings, media coverage and the visibility granted to contestants after their appearances. Industry accolades tend to be domestic and tied to programming impact rather than trophy counts.