In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for THE X FACTOR judges, 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. 

THE X FACTOR launched in the U.S. in Sept. 2011 on FOX, immediately becoming the No. 1 unscripted show this fall. It was FOX’s highest-rated Wednesday night premiere in 13 years among Adults 18-49. The show averaged a 4.3/12 among Adults 18-49, and averaged 12.6 million viewers. THE X FACTOR significantly improved FOX’s year-over-year time period performance on Wednesday and Thursday nights among Adults 18-49 by +52% and+40% respectively. Local versions of “The X Factor” are now produced in more than 40 territories and the U.S. version of THE X FACTOR airs in over 162 countries. Artists discovered by “The X Factor” format have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 No. 1, 270 Top 10 and 501 Top 50 releases.  THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. 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.