X Factor (Italian TV series)

X Factor is a TV show which airs on prime time in Italy. The singing competition is the Italian version of Britain's The X Factor. It was hosted until Season 4 by Francesco Facchinetti, who has been replaced by Alessandro Cattelan since Season 5. While the first four seasons were aired on Rai Due, the second channel of Italian public television service, at the moment the show is broadcast on Sky Uno, the main channel of Sky Italy.

The judges, who all belong to the Italian and international music or television world, were 3 from Season 1 to Season 3 (when the categories were: Groups, 16-24, 25+). Since Season 4, the 16-24 category was split into two parts (Boys and Girls), following the British example, therefore the judges became 4.

The programme's success is witnessed by the number of singers who became famous after the show. Among the others we can notice Giusy Ferreri from Season 1, Noemi from Season 2, Marco Mengoni from Season 3, Ruggero Pasquarelli from Season 4, Francesca Michielin from Season 5, Chiara Galiazzo and Le Donatella from Season 6, Michele Bravi from Season 7, Lorenzo Fragola and Madh from Season 8.

After the huge success of the 11th season, won by Lorenzo Licitra, the show was confirmed for a 12th edition with Agnelli, Fedez and Maionchi returning as judges. A fourth new judge, actress Asia Argento was originally part of the Season 12 lineup, but was subsequently removed following sexual abuse allegations against her. Italian musician Lodovico Guenzi is set to replace Argento in the live shows.^[1]

Series summary

     "Boys" category
     "Girls" category
     "16-24s" category
     "Over 25s" category
     "Groups" category

Finalists, categories and judges

Key:

     – Winning judge/category. Winners are in bold, eliminated contestants in small font.

First series (2008)

In the first edition held in the period 10 March 2008 to 27 May 2008, Morgan's contestants (Vocal Groups) were labelled "red contestants", Simona's contestants (25+ years) the "orange contestants" and Mara's (16–24 years) the "blue contestants"

Second series (2008-2009)

The second series was held between 25 November 2008 and 19 April 2009. The three judges were the same as the first series line-up. Simona Ventura mentored the "16-24s", Morgan the "25 and Overs" and Mara Maionchi the Groups. The winner was Matteo Becucci from the 25 and over category.

Third series (2009)

In the third edition from 16 June 2009 until 2 December 2009, the judge Simona Ventura was replaced by Claudia Mori. Morgan's contestants (16–24 years) were dubbed the "blue contestants", Claudia Mori's contestants (25+ years) the "orange" and Mara Maionchi's category of the Vocal Groups, the "red contestants".

The A&K, Mara's group, were formed by Andrea and Chiara (Kiara). However, Chiara was later disqualified from the show because of a regulation prohibiting the sons/daughters of RAI employees from entering the show, in this case, Chiara's Mother. She was replaced by Daniele Vit.

Fourth series (2010)

From this year there are four categories with the respective judges:

• Mara Maionchi (16-24 Boys)
• Anna Tatangelo (16-24 Girls)
• Elio (25 +)
• Enrico Ruggeri (Vocal Groups)

Fifth series (2011–2012)

The fifth series of X Factor was televised from 20 October 2011 to 5 January 2012. For the first time, it was broadcast by Sky Uno HD, rather than Rai 2. The auditions were held from 5 July to 12 September 2011.

Sixth series (2012)

The sixth series of X Factor started on 20 September 2012. It is broadcast live by Sky Uno HD, and a short version recorded broadcast on free digital TV Cielo.

Seventh series (2013)

The seventh series of X Factor started on 26 September 2013. It is broadcast live by Sky Uno HD.

Eight series (2014)

The eight series of X Factor started on 18 September 2014. It is broadcast live by Sky Uno HD.

Ninth series (2015)

The ninth series of X Factor started on 10 September 2015. It is broadcast live by Sky Uno HD.

Tenth series (2016)

The tenth series of X Factor started on 22 September 2016. It was broadcast live by Sky Uno HD, and a recorded version was broadcast on free digital channel TV8.

Eleventh series (2017)

The eleventh series of X Factor started on 14 September 2017. It is broadcast live by Sky Uno HD, and a recorded version is broadcast on free digital channel TV8. The season finale, aired on 14 December 2017, marked the victory of Lorenzo Licitra and became the most viewed Italian X Factor live show ever.

References

External links

• Official website