Season 1
The X Factor is an American music reality competition television series created by Simon Cowell as part of the British The X Factor franchise and produced by SYCOtv in which the judges double as mentors and coaches to the finalists, who are divided into four groups: boys, girls, over-30s and groups.
The series premiered in the USA on Fox on 21 September, 2011.
The X Factor premiered in South Africa on M-Net (simulcast in HD) and Mzansi Magic on Saturday 8 October 2011, at 18h00. It later aired on SABC2 and moved from Mzansi Magic to Vuzu from Season 2. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 1 originally aired on M-Net, M-Net HD and Mzansi Magic from 8 October to 25 December, 2011. New episodes broadcast on Saturdays at 18h00 and on Sundays at 17h00.
Season 1 premiered on SABC2 on Thursday 1 November 2012, at 19h30. New episodes broadcast on Thursdays at 19h30 and on Saturdays at 20h00.
The winner of the first season was Melanie Amaro. The runners-up were Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene.
Season 1
Since its debut in 2004, The X Factor has remained the U.K.'s #1 program, peaking with an audience of 21-million for its 2010 finale. The format swiftly broke similar records around the world, where local versions have consistently rated #1.
The series has received numerous honours worldwide, and more than 100-million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.
In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for The X Factor judges - Simon Cowell, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger - they will do so in front of an audience of thousands, raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans.
This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to win an unprecedented $5-million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.
Cheryl Cole was a judge for the Los Angeles and Chicago auditions but was replaced amidst controversy by Nicole Scherzinger for the rest of the season.
The X Factor is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.
Format
Stage 1: The Auditions
It's tough enough to sing in public, but when you step in front of Simon, Paula, L.A. And Nicole the pressure is through the roof. Now add in a live audience of thousands and you've got an audition for The X Factor.
A hundred thousand will try, few will advance. If a majority of the judges (and the audience) think you might have what it takes, you make it through to the next round.
Stage 2: Bootcamp
If you make it through auditions, it's straight to boot camp; a performance pressure cooker that will put your nerves to the test.
You'll be sorted into categories – guys, girls, older singers or vocal groups – and you'll have to prove yourself by singing, dancing and performing under greater scrutiny than ever before.
Make it through boot camp and you're on your way to the big time.
Stage 3: Judges' Houses
After the boot camp selection, each constant category – guys, girls, older singers or vocal groups – is assigned to a particular judge.
The contestants then travel to their respective judge's house where each judge selects the best acts, with the biggest chance of winning, to take to the live show.
Stage 4: The Live Show
When the show goes live, only the best are left. Drawing from their experience, the judges coach the acts in their individual categories on what to sing, what to wear and how to "own" the stage.
The judges then critique the live acts every week, but ultimately it's the audience who decides who has the "X Factor" and wins the largest prize in TV history: a $5-million recording contract.
Winners
Season 1: Melanie Amaro
Season 2: Tate Stevens
Season 3: Alex & Sierra
Seasons
Note: the first season aired on M-Net (simulcast in HD) and Mzansi Magic, but the show was moved from Mzansi Magic to Vuzu for Season 2.
Season 1
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 8 Oct 2011 | Finale: 25 Dec 2011 | Sat, 18h00 / Sun, 17h00
Channel: Mzansi Magic | Premiere: 8 Oct 2011 | Finale: 25 Dec 2011 | Sat, 18h00 / Sun, 17h00
Channel: SABC2 | Premiere: 1 Nov 2012 | Finale: 9 Mar 2013 | Thu, 19h30 / Sat, 20h00
Season 2
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 6 Oct 2012 | Finale: 23 Dec 2012 | Sat, 18h00 / Sun, 17h30
Channel: Vuzu | Premiere: 24 Feb 2013 | Finale: 16 Jun 2013 | Sundays, 20h00 (double bill)
Channel: SABC2 | Premiere: 18 Jan 2014 | Finale: TBA | Sat, 20h00
Season 3
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 5 Oct 2013 | Finale: 19 Dec 2013 | Sat, 17h00 / Sun, 15h00