The X Factor (Australian TV series)

The X Factor was created by Simon Cowell in the United Kingdom and is based on the original British series. Cowell then began to grow and expand The X Factor competition franchise and in 2005, the Australian version of the show was launched on Network Ten, the same channel as the highly successful Australian Idol.{{cite news|last=Burgess|first=Matthew|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/spicy-spark-but-x-factor-formula-might-leave-them-cowelling-20120821-24jkj.html|title=Mel B lends X Factor a Spicy Spark|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=21 August 2012|access-date=22 November 2012}} However, due to poor ratings Network Ten dropped The X Factor after one season.

In 2010, once the seventh and final season of Australian Idol was completed, it was announced that Seven Network went into a "bidding war" with Nine Network to obtain the rights of The X Factor, which they later won and a second season went into production. Networks Seven and Nine both began the bidding war after expressing interest by attending a conference organised by Cowell. Andrew Backwell, Nine Network's director of production and development, and Tim Worner of Network Seven's head of programming, both attended the conference. Cowell wanted the Australian version to match his "own specifications", and said that it would cost at least $20 million for 21 hours of television. The X Factor was originally set to return in February 2011, but began in August 2010.

In February 2016, reports claimed that Seven was mulling over whether or not to delay the series' planned eighth season until 2017.{{cite web|last1=Vickery|first1=Colin|title=Channel 7 tossing up whether to delay The X Factor{{'}}s return until 2017|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/channel-7-tossing-up-whether-to-delay-the-x-factors-return-until-2017/news-story/53447b94c115f522d312d5ffd667b872|website=News.com.au|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=18 February 2016|location=Australia|date=5 February 2016}} It was later confirmed that The X Factor will return in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://fmashows.com/the-x-factor/2016/|title=The X Factor - 2016|publisher=FMA Shows|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422143246/https://fmashows.com/the-x-factor/2016/|archive-date=22 April 2016}} The season premiered on 3 October 2016.{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title=Returning: The X Factor 2016|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/09/returning-the-x-factor-4.html|website=tvtonight.com.au|access-date=16 September 2016|location=Australia|date=16 September 2016}} Towards the end of the eighth season, there was speculation that The X Factor would not return in 2017 due to poor ratings. A spokesman from Seven advised that the decision will be made in early 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/the-future-of-the-x-factor-is-in-doubt-after-disappointing-ratings-for-last-nights-grand-final/news-story/511870411f097acd0da2be21a1ce006c|title = The X Factor's future in doubt|newspaper = News.com.au|date = 22 November 2016|last1 = Vickery|first1 = By Colin}} Seven confirmed the program had been axed in January 2017.

The X Factor was primarily concerned with identifying singing talent, through appearance, personality, and stage presence. Dance routines were also important elements of many performances. Throughout the live shows, the judges acted as mentors to their category, helping to decide song choices, styling and staging, while judging contestants from other categories. For each season, each judge was assigned a category and they mentored their three acts individually, with all acts having a shared amount of time with their mentor. Each of the 12 acts also had rehearsal time in the studio with their mentor. In some cases, if a solo artist was not strong enough, the judges would put together a group of solo artists which had potential to be great as a band. In season six only, a wildcard was introduced to add one more act to the live shows, thus making it 13 contestants.

In season 1, the show was split into three categories: 16-24s, Over 25s and Groups. In seasons 2-7, the 16-24s category was split into separate male and female sections, making four categories in all: Boys, Girls, Over 25s, and Groups.{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/about-the-show/article/-/7693601/how-it-works/ |title=How It Works |work=The X Factor (Australia) |publisher=Yahoo!7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612050450/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/about-the-show/article/-/7693601/how-it-works/ |archive-date=12 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite episode |title=Season 5, Episode 7: Super bootcamp|series=The X Factor Australia |series-link=The X Factor (Australian TV series) |network=Seven Network |airdate=11 August 2013}} In season 3 onwards, the minimum age for the Boys and Girls categories was lowered to 14. In season 5 only, the Over 25s was changed to Over 24s.{{cite episode |title=Season 5, Episode 9: Super bootcamp|series=The X Factor Australia |network=Seven Network |airdate=13 August 2013}} In season 6, It was changed back to Over 25s for series 6, In Season 8, the Over 25s was changed to Over 22s, Boys and Girls has been defunct and making the 14-21s to come back, Bands are now able to audition, any can play instruments - they will be part of the Groups category.

There were five stages to the competition:

• Stage 1: Open auditions:{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/16117977/online-and-dvd-auditions-now-open/ |title=Online & DVD Auditions Now Open |work=The X Factor (Australia) |publisher=Yahoo!7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026091957/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/16117977/online-and-dvd-auditions-now-open/ |archive-date=26 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} these auditions decided who would sing in front of the judges (season 2–8)
• Stage 2: Judges' auditions
• Stage 3: Masterclass (season 1), bootcamp (season 2–6) or seat challenge (season 7–8)
• Stage 4: Judges' houses (season 1) or super home visits (season 2–7)
• Stage 5: Live shows (finals)

For the first season, the judges' auditions, masterclass, the judges' houses and the live finals were the four stages to the competition. For the revived second season, the stages changed to open auditions, judges' auditions, bootcamp, super home visits and the live shows. This remained unchanged until season 8, when the stages changed to open auditions, judges' auditions, three seat challenge and the live shows.

In the first round, the first set of auditions were held in front of the show's producers, months before The X Factor was aired. The open auditions were not televised and anyone could attend. The successful auditionees chosen by the producers were invited back to the last set of the audition phase, which took place in front of the show's judging panel and a live audience. If there were three judges present during the auditions, the act needed at least two "yes" votes (three if there were four judges present) to gain the majority vote. The judges' auditions were held on selected dates and locations in a number of major cities of Australia, and were broadcast over the first few weeks of The X Factor. The show was open to solo artists and vocal groups aged 14 and above, with no upper age limit. Only a selection of auditions in front of the judges were broadcast, usually the best, the worst and the most bizarre. During the first season of The X Factor, each act entered an audition room and delivered a stand-up unaccompanied performance of their chosen song to the judges, without any instrumental music playing.

In the second round, participants who reach this stage are sent to a "bootcamp" to refine their performances, while they are organised into categories based on the conditions of their application. The first category consists of men and women solo acts aged under 24 – both categories were conjoined in the first series until separated in the second series – with the minimum age allowed being 16 (except for the third to seventh series where it was lowered to 14) then it got conjoined back in the eight series with the minimum age allowed being 14. The third category consists of men and women solo acts aged 25 and older (with the exception of 1 series were the minimum age was raised to 22 in series 8 and 24 in series 5).

During the bootcamp stage{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14717034/introducing-super-bootcamp/ |title=Introducing Super Bootcamp! |work=The X Factor (Australia) |publisher=Yahoo!7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103034200/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14717034/introducing-super-bootcamp/ |archive-date=3 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} (formerly lock down in season 1, and super bootcamp in seasons 4–6),{{cite news|last=Tuohy |first=Wendy |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/TV--Radio/The-search-for-it/2005/02/02/1107228755628.html |title=Looking for that certain something |work=The Age |date=3 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728184049/http://www.theage.com.au/news/TV--Radio/The-search-for-it/2005/02/02/1107228755628.html |archive-date=28 July 2013 |url-status=dead }} each judge was assigned one of the four categories to mentor. It was usually held on three days. In seasons 1, 2 and 3, each judge was given 24 acts and had to decide on their 12 acts after day two, and their six acts after day three. Each judge was assisted by a celebrity guest judge who would help them choose their acts. In season one, the judges narrowed down their acts to five instead of six. In seasons 4, 5 and 6, all four judges worked together to collectively choose 24 acts (six from each category) for the next round, home visits, where they find out which category they will mentor. From season 7, bootcamp were now based around the five seat challenge, where each judge chose their five acts to go through to the super home visits.{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/29287491/about-the-show/ |title=About the Show |work=The X Factor Australia |date=18 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923031746/https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/29287491/about-the-show/ |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}

From seasons 1 to 7, the super home visits stage (formerly judges' houses in seasons 1–2, and home visits in seasons 3–6),{{cite news|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/-/entertainment/10214895/x-factor-now-rules-the-ratings/ |title=X Factor now rules the ratings |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media Limited |date=8 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930122612/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/-/entertainment/10214895/x-factor-now-rules-the-ratings/ |archive-date=30 September 2012 |url-status=dead }} saw the judges and their remaining six acts travel to four different places of the world. From season seven, all four judges and their remaining five acts traveled to the same location. During the super home visits, each act performed one song in front of their mentor and celebrity guest judges.{{cite web|last=Roman|first=Nick|url=https://www.rickey.org/the-x-factor-australia-2015-home-visits-the-best-of-the-best-perform-video/285929/|title=The X Factor Australia 2015 Home Visits: The Best of the Best Perform (Video)|publisher=Rickey.org|date=23 September 2015|access-date=24 September 2015}} Afterwards, each mentor and their guest judges narrowed down the acts to three for the live shows.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

The finals consisted of two live shows, the first featuring the contestants' performances and the second revealing the results of the public voting, culminating in one/two acts being eliminated each week. The live shows were filmed at Fox Studios in Sydney. In season 1, the shows were filmed at Hisense Arena (formerly Vodafone Arena) in Melbourne.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvcentral.com.au/2010/07/14/the-x-factor-moving-into-former-australian-idol-home/|title='The X Factor' moving into former 'Australian Idol' home|date=14 July 2010|publisher=TV Central|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720054945/http://www.tvcentral.com.au/2010/07/14/the-x-factor-moving-into-former-australian-idol-home/|archive-date=20 July 2010 }} In season two, the live shows were broadcast on Sunday and Monday nights, but moved to Monday and Tuesday nights for seasons three and four. In season five, the live shows returned to Sunday and Monday nights. In season seven, the live shows were once again broadcast on Monday and Tuesday nights.{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/09/airdate-the-player-returning-amazing-race-blacklist-murder-update-x-factor.html|title=Airdate: The Player. Returning: Amazing Race, Blacklist, Murder. Update: X Factor|website=TV Tonight|date=28 September 2015|access-date=1 October 2015}}

In the initial performance shows, each act performed one song (two songs each during the Semi-Final and three songs each during the Grand Final) in front of the judges and a studio audience.{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/25232533/power-passion-song-list/ |title=Power & Passion Song List |work=The X Factor Australia |date=10 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018100529/https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/25232533/power-passion-song-list/ |archive-date=18 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/15416644/grand-final-song-list/ |title=The X Factor Grand Final Song List! |work=The X Factor Australia |publisher=Yahoo!7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130125459/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/15416644/grand-final-song-list/ |archive-date=30 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} The acts usually sung over a pre-recorded backing track, and backup dancers were commonly featured as well as stage props.{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/10292066/tonights-songs-revealed/ |title=Tonight's Songs Revealed! |work=The X Factor Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925021726/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/10292066/tonights-songs-revealed/ |archive-date=25 September 2011 |url-status=dead }} Acts occasionally accompanied themselves on guitar or piano.{{cite news|first=Anne |last=Lu |url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/564726/20140901/x-factor-australia-top-10-hits-recap.htm |title='The X Factor Australia' Live Show Recap: Top 10 Contestants Sing Top 10 Hits |work=International Business Times |date=1 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904000559/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/564726/20140901/x-factor-australia-top-10-hits-recap.htm |archive-date=4 September 2014 |url-status=dead }} From the second season, each performance show had a different theme; each act's song was chosen according to the theme.{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/10353900/party-anthem-songs-revealed/ |title=Party Anthem Songs Revealed! |work=The X Factor Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930034240/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/10353900/party-anthem-songs-revealed/ |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=dead }} The acts' mentors picked the song for them and critiqued their performance in order to get it perfect for the live shows. A celebrity guest connected to the theme was often invited onto The X Factor, and clips were shown of the guest conversing with the contestants at rehearsal.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/scary-spice-mel-b-mentors-x-factor-contestants/story-e6frf96o-1225948548269|title=Scary Spice Mel B mentors X Factor contestants|work=Herald Sun|date=5 November 2010|access-date=3 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/10390171/rock-week-special-guests/ |title=Rock Week: Special Guests |work=The X Factor Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007013645/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/10390171/rock-week-special-guests/ |archive-date=7 October 2011 |url-status=dead }} After each act had performed, the judges commented on their performance. Once all the acts had performed, the phone lines opened and the viewing public voted on which act they wanted to keep in the competition.

The results were announced during the live decider show the following day, in aid to give the Australian public time to vote. The two acts that received the lowest number of votes performed again in the "final showdown", and the judges voted on which of the two to send home.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} In the first season, there would never be an even number, therefore one act would always be eliminated by a majority. However, once a fourth judge was added to the panel, this was possible and "deadlock" was introduced in case of a tie vote.{{cite web|last=Lewdon |first=Courtney |url=http://www.throng.com.au/2012/10/the-x-factor-australia-season-four-who-will-be-lost-in-80s-fever/ |title=The X Factor Australia – Season Four – Who Will Be Lost In '80s Fever? |publisher=Throng Australia |date=16 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018071858/http://www.throng.com.au/2012/10/the-x-factor-australia-season-four-who-will-be-lost-in-80s-fever/ |archive-date=18 October 2012 |url-status=dead }} If the final showdown got to deadlock, the act with the lowest number of votes was eliminated from the competition. The actual number of votes cast for each act was not revealed, nor was the order. The results show also featured a number of celebrity guest performers promoting their singles or albums, usually their latest ones.{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14875258/top-12-results-show-special-guests/ |title=Top 12 Results Show: Special Guests |work=The X Factor Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921085233/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14875258/top-12-results-show-special-guests/ |archive-date=21 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/25195303/5sos-the-script-boyzone-top-4-live-decider-special-guests/ |title=5SOS, The Script & Boyzone: Top 4 Live Decider Special Guests |work=The X Factor Australia |date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016090215/https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/25195303/5sos-the-script-boyzone-top-4-live-decider-special-guests/ |archive-date=16 October 2014 |url-status=dead }} The winner of The X Factor was awarded a $1,000,000 recording contract with Sony Music Australia.{{cite web|url=http://fremantledigital.com/xfactor/auditions.html |title=The X Factor Australia – Auditions |publisher=FremantleMedia Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105232152/http://fremantledigital.com/xfactor/auditions.html |archive-date=5 November 2011 |url-status=dead }} In season three, the winner was also awarded a management contract,{{cite news|last=McRae|first=Ross|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/11931525/ruffo-misses-out-as-reece-wins-x-factor/|title=Ruffo misses out as Reece wins X Factor|work=The West Australian|publisher=Seven West Media Limited|date=22 November 2011|access-date=23 November 2011}} and in season four, a Nissan Dualis car.{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/11/samantha-jade-wins-the-x-factor-2012.html|title=Samantha Jade wins The X Factor 2012|website=TV Tonight|date=20 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012}}

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Kate Ceberano

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | John Reid

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| scope="row" style="text-align: center;" ! | Ronan Keating

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Natalie Imbruglia

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Kyle Sandilands

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Natalie Bassingthwaighte

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Mel B

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Dannii Minogue

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Redfoo

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | James Blunt

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Chris Isaak

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Iggy Azalea

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| ! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Adam Lambert

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|}

The X Factor debuted in 2005 with Australian recording artist Kate Ceberano, record producer Mark Holden, and Scottish events manager John Reid as the judges.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Music/Touring-with-X-Factor/2005/05/16/1116095898741.html |title=Touring with X Factor |date=16 May 2005 |work=The Age |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106230825/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Music/Touring-with-X-Factor/2005/05/16/1116095898741.html |archive-date=6 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} Ceberano's judging skills were compared to X Factor UK judge, Sharon Osbourne.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/australian-tv/s137/the-x-factor-australia/news/a17587/ceberano-enjoying-aussie-x-factor.html|title=Ceberano enjoying Aussie 'X Factor'|publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK|date=12 December 2004|access-date=22 November 2012}} When it was announced that The X Factor would return in 2010, British reality television star Peter Andre was linked to the role. However, he declined the offer as he did not want to be away from his children for so long.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/australian-tv/s137/the-x-factor-australia/news/a215771/andre-i-turned-down-aussie-x-factor.html|title=Andre: 'I turned down Aussie X Factor'|publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK|date=22 April 2010|access-date=22 November 2012}} The judging line up was announced in May 2010 with Irish recording artist Ronan Keating, radio presenter Kyle Sandilands, and Australian recording artists Guy Sebastian and Natalie Imbruglia.{{cite news|last=Vickery|first=Colin|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/tv/channel-7-to-resurrect-the-x-factor-with-kyle-sandilands-hosting/story-e6frf9ho-1225866988121|title=Channel 7 to resurrect The X Factor, with Kyle Sandilands hosting|work=Herald Sun|date=14 May 2010|access-date=21 January 2011}} On 16 March 2011, Sandilands announced that he would not be returning for season 3, stating that he left the show because "it's just too hectic, it's too much work".{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/judges-are-the-x-factor-for-the-shows-second-series/story-e6frf7jx-1226022401820|title=Kyle Sandilands announced on 2Day FM that he won't be returning to X Factor|work=Herald Sun|date=16 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011}} On 27 April 2011, the Seven Network confirmed that Mel B would be Sandilands' replacement,{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2011/04/mel-b-confirmed-as-x-factor-judge.html|title=Mel B confirmed as X Factor judge|website=TV Tonight|date=27 April 2011|access-date=24 August 2012}} and Natalie Bassingthwaighte was confirmed as Imbruglia's replacement on 6 May 2011.{{cite web|last=Davies|first=Rebecca|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/australian-tv/s137/the-x-factor-australia/news/a318065/bassingthwaighte-confirmed-as-x-factor-judge.html|title=Bassingthwaighte confirmed as 'X Factor' judge|publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK|date=6 May 2011|access-date=24 August 2012}} Bassingthwaighte said she would focus on bringing an honest critique to the show and will guide "the artists through the competition",{{cite web|url=http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/who/article/-/9322976/nats-big-news/|title=Nat's Big News|work=Who|publisher=Pacific Magazines|date=6 May 2011|access-date=11 July 2011}} while Mel B said, "[The contestants] are either going to love me or hate me but it's going to be a fun ride. I'm really easy to get on with and I'm a hard worker. I'm firm but nice."{{cite web|last=Davies|first=Rebecca|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/australian-tv/s137/the-x-factor-australia/news/a316592/mel-b-confirmed-as-australian-x-factor-judge.html|title=Mel B confirmed as Australia 'X Factor' judge|publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK|date=27 April 2011|access-date=11 July 2011}} Keating, Sebastian, Bassingthwaighte and Mel B returned for the fourth season in 2012.

In March 2013, Keating confirmed in an interview with News Limited that Sebastian and Mel B had left the show, but stated that he wanted them to return.{{cite news|last=Te Koha|first=Nui|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/ronan-keating-tries-to-lure-former-judges-back-to-x-factor/story-e6frfmqi-1226589142279|title=Ronan Keating tries to lure former judges back to X Factor|work=news.com.au|date=2 March 2013|access-date=6 March 2013}} Dannii Minogue was announced as Mel B's replacement on 12 April 2013,{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/04/dannii-minogue-joins-the-x-factor-australia.html|title=Dannii Minogue joins The X Factor Australia|website=TV Tonight|date=12 April 2013|access-date=12 April 2013}} and Redfoo was announced as Sebastian's replacement on 21 April 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/tv/redfoo-follows-his-x-instincts/story-e6frexlr-1226625041487|title=Redfoo follows his X instincts|work=The Sunday Telegraph|date=21 April 2013|access-date=21 April 2013}} Minogue, Redfoo, Bassingthwaigte and Keating returned for season 6 in 2014.{{cite web|first=David|last=Knox|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/03/ronan-redfoo-danni-and-nat-all-returning-to-x-factor.html|title=Ronan, Redfoo, Dannii and Natalie all returning to X Factor|website=TV Tonight|date=27 March 2014|access-date=27 March 2014}} In April 2015, Keating and Bassingthwaighte announced that they would not be returning for the season 7 in 2015.{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Jonathon|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/no-more-ronan-for-x-factor/story-fni0cvc9-1227320554705|title=No more Ronan for X Factor|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=25 April 2015|access-date=26 April 2015}}{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/04/nat-bass-quits-the-x-factor.html|title=Nat Bass quits The X Factor|website=TV Tonight|date=29 April 2015|access-date=29 April 2015}} Redfoo also announced his departure the following month.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/its-official-redfoo-opens-up-on-whether-or-not-he-will-return-to-the-x-factor-australia/story-fni0cvc9-1227329581179|title=The X Factor 2015: Redfoo will not return to The X Factor as a judge|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=1 May 2015|access-date=1 May 2015}} On 3 May 2015, it was announced that Sebastian would be returning to the panel along with two new judges James Blunt and Chris Isaak.{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Jonathon|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/chris-isaak-and-james-blunt-meet-the-new-x-factor-guys/story-fni0cvc9-1227331987033|title=Chris Isaak and James Blunt: Meet the new X Factor guys|work=The Sunday Telegraph|date=3 May 2015|access-date=3 May 2015}} Minogue was the only judge from the previous season who returned.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} On 12 June 2016, Iggy Azalea was announced as a new judge for the series.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} On 20 June 2016, Guy Sebastian was confirmed to be returning as a judge.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} The following day, Adam Lambert was announced as the third judge for season 8.{{Cite web|url=http://tvtonight.com.au/2016/06/adam-lambert-joins-x-factor-panel.html|title=Adam Lambert joins X Factor panel|website=Tvtonight|date=22 June 2016 |access-date=22 June 2016}} In October 2016, it was confirmed that former judge Mel B would be joining the show as the fourth and final judge for season 8, as "The Underdog Judge".{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/10/seven-mel-b-kiss-and-make-up.html|title=Seven, Mel B kiss and make up.|website=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|date=12 October 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}

File:Kate Ceberano at the 2011 Logie Awards.jpg|Kate Ceberano (2005)

File:Natalie Imbruglia Cannes.jpg|Natalie Imbruglia (2010)

File:Ronan Keating - 2016330211548 2016-11-25 Night of the Proms - Sven - 1D X II - 0567 - AK8I4903 mod.jpg|Ronan Keating (2010–2014)

File:Kyle Sandilands 2014.jpg|Kyle Sandilands (2010)

File:Guy Sebastian ESC2015 Eurovision Village Vienna 08crop2.jpg|Guy Sebastian (2010–2012, 2015–2016)

File:Natalie Bassingthwaighte 4, 2012.jpg|Natalie Bassingthwaighte (2011–2014)

File:Mel B The New Face of Jenny Craig.jpg|Mel B (2011–2012, 2016)

File:Dannii Minogue arrives at the 58th Annual Logie Awards at Crown Palladium (26904220225) cropped.jpg|Dannii Minogue (2013–2015)

File:Redfoo Sydney 2014.jpg|Redfoo (2013–2014)

File:James-Blunt2.jpg|James Blunt (2015)

File:Chris-isaak.jpg|Chris Isaak (2015)

File:Iggy Azalea August 2015.jpg|Iggy Azalea (2016)

File:Queen + Adam Lambert 4 (15659934964).jpg|Adam Lambert (2016)

When The X Factor began in 2005, Daniel MacPherson was the main host of the show and Chloe Maxwell was the host of the spin-off show, The Xtra Factor. Following the announcement that The X Factor was returning in 2010, the Herald Sun reported that MacPherson was favourite to fill the hosting role but was unable to commit because of his duties on Dancing with the Stars.{{cite web|last=Davies|first=Rebecca|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/australian-tv/s137/the-x-factor-australia/news/a220169/aussie-stars-compete-for-x-factor-job.html|title=Aussie stars compete for 'X Factor' job|publisher=Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK|date=17 May 2010|access-date=21 March 2013}} On 30 May 2010, actor Matthew Newton was announced as the host.{{cite news|last=Vickery|first=Collin|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/tv-radio/matthew-newton-to-host-the-x-factor/story-e6frf9ho-1225873158264|title=Matthew Newton to host The X Factor|work=Herald Sun|date=30 May 2010|access-date=25 December 2011}} However, on 22 August 2010, it was revealed that Newton had to withdraw after an altercation in Rome with his now ex-girlfriend Rachael Taylor. Newton flew from Rome to Dublin, where he was to film segments for The X Factor with Keating. However, he was escorted back to Australia by a producer of the show after they decided he was in no state to film.{{cite news|last=Byrnes|first=Holly|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/matt-newton-returns-to-rehab/story-e6fredqc-1225908566593|title=Matt Newton returns to rehab|work=The Advertiser|date=22 August 2010|access-date=25 December 2011}} He was then checked into Wentworthville's Northside West Clinic.{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/matthew-newton-proposed-to-rachael-tayor-before-violent-rage/story-e6frg30c-1225910737470|title=Matthew Newton proposed to Rachael Tayor before 'violent rage'|last1=Byrnes|first1=Holly|last2=Byrne|first2=Fiona|date=27 August 2010|access-date=2 September 2010|work=Perth Now}}

On 23 August 2010, it was announced that actor Luke Jacobz would take over as host and all original audition footage with Newton was removed with footage of Jacobz being shot instead.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/23/2991168.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717044027/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/23/2991168.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |title=Luke Jacobz replaces Newton on X Factor|newspaper=ABC News|date=23 August 2010|access-date=2 September 2010|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)|last1=Pierse|first1=Ryan}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/08/29/matthew-newton-in-a-near-schizophrenic-state/|title=Matthew Newton in a near-'schizophrenic' state|last=Washbrook|first=Cyril|date=29 August 2010|access-date=2 September 2010|publisher=Media Spy}} On 28 August 2010, it was announced that radio presenter Natalie Garonzi would host The Xtra Factor on 7Two.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/garonzi-joins-x-factor-team/story-e6frf96o-1225911070425|title=Garonzi joins X Factor team|work=Herald Sun|date=28 August 2010|access-date=21 January 2011}} Season three finalist Johnny Ruffo joined the fourth season live shows as the host of the online live streaming show, The X Stream. Comedy duo Luke & Wyatt joined the sixth season live shows as the hosts of the online show, The Fan Factor. On 24 November 2015, Jacobz announced on his Twitter account that he would not be returning as the host for the eighth season in 2016.{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/11/luke-jacobz-my-last-x-factor.html|title=Luke Jacobz: 'My last X Factor'|website=TV Tonight|date=25 November 2015|access-date=25 November 2015}} On 25 June 2016, Jason Dundas was announced as Jacobz's replacement.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

File:Daniel MacPherson.jpg|Daniel MacPherson (2005)

File:Luke Jacobz X Factor.jpg|Luke Jacobz (2010–2015)

File:Jason Dundas 2015 (cropped).jpg|Jason Dundas (2016)

{{Main|List of The X Factor (Australian TV series) finalists}}

In each season, each judge is allocated a category to mentor and chooses a small number of acts (three acts) to progress to the live finals. This table shows, for each season, which category each judge was allocated and which acts he or she put through to the live finals.

:{{Color box|#BFFFC0;|border=silver}} – Winning judge/category. Winners are in bold, eliminated contestants in small font.

The Xtra Factor is a companion show that was broadcast after the main live shows. In season one, The Xtra Factor was broadcast on Network Ten and hosted by Chloe Maxwell. After The X Factor was revived for a second season in 2010, Natalie Garonzi became the new host of The Xtra Factor on the Seven Network's digital channel 7Two. The show was not renewed when The X Factor returned for a third season in 2011. The voiceover for both series of The Xtra Factor was Nicholas McKay.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

The show featured behind-the-scenes footage of The X Factor and the emotional responses of the contestants after the judges commented on their performances. A celebrity panel was usually featured, who gave their opinions on the contestants. The judges and contestants also answered phone calls from viewers, while Facebook statuses, tweets, and SMS messages appeared on screen. The Xtra Factor also showed extra auditions, bootcamp performances and the judges' houses performances.

During the finalists time on The X Factor, The Xtra Factor camera crew followed the finalists about during their day. The footage which was filmed throughout the week would be broadcast once the show went live, once a week. There would also be an exclusive interview of the act which had been eliminated during that week of the show, and an exclusive interview with the winner and their mentor.

The X Stream is an online live streaming show that was broadcast via The X Factor{{'}}s official website during the season four live performance shows on Monday nights.{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14869811/the-x-stream/ |title=The X Stream! |work=The X Factor (Australia) |publisher=Yahoo!7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926033814/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14869811/the-x-stream/ |archive-date=26 September 2012 |url-status=dead }} The show began on 17 September 2012 and was hosted by season three finalist Johnny Ruffo. The X Stream featured behind-the-scenes footage of the green room where contestants stay before and after their performances, a view of them waiting backstage as well as the contestants' responses after the judges commented on their performances. They also answered questions from viewers via Twitter. The X Stream did not return in 2013.

The Fan Factor is an online show that was hosted by comedy duo Luke & Wyatt.{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/24588305/it-s-time-to-face-the-fan-factor-/ |title=It's Time. To Face. The Fan Factor! |work=The X Factor Australia |publisher=Yahoo!7 |date=30 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822040118/https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/24588305/it-s-time-to-face-the-fan-factor-/ |archive-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead }} It began on 13 August 2014 and featured an all-access pass to The X Factor.{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/clips/24714302/the-fan-factor-week-one/ |title=The Fan Factor: Week One |work=The X Factor Australia |publisher=Yahoo!7 |date=13 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822044603/https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/clips/24714302/the-fan-factor-week-one/ |archive-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead }} The hosts also answered questions and completed challenges that viewers sent in. New episodes were released via The X Factor{{'}}s official website on Wednesday nights.{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/24673469/five-fun-facts-about-fan-factor-hosts-luke-wyatt/ |title=Five Fun Facts about Fan Factor Hosts Luke & Wyatt |work=The X Factor Australia |publisher=Yahoo!7 |date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822035301/https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/24673469/five-fun-facts-about-fan-factor-hosts-luke-wyatt/ |archive-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead }} The Fan Factor did not return in 2015.

{{Main|The X Factor (Australia) discography}}

File:Reece Mastin 4, 2012.jpg winner Reece Mastin is the most successful contestant]]

After The X Factor winner was announced in the grand final, the winner received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia and their winner's single was made available to download on the iTunes Store. A few weeks later, their debut album was released, which contained their winner's single and cover versions of songs they performed during the live shows. From season three, the contestants' weekly performances were released onto the iTunes Store for a limited time only, which lead to a number of downloads and in some cases their performances appeared on the ARIA Singles Chart.{{cite web|last=Ryan |first=Gavin |url=http://www.noise11.com/news/swedish-house-mafia-maintains-top-of-aria-chart-20121118 |title=Swedish House Mafia Maintains Top of ARIA Chart |publisher=Noise11. Noise Network |date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125024927/http://www.noise11.com/news/swedish-house-mafia-maintains-top-of-aria-chart-20121118 |archive-date=25 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} Some top twelve finalists of the competition were also offered record deals, while others went on to release their music independently. Contestants that did not win but signed with Sony Music Australia include Johnny Ruffo, Young Men Society, The Collective, Jason Owen, Bella Ferraro, Nathaniel Willemse, Third Degree, Taylor Henderson, Jai Waetford, Dean Ray and Reigan Derry.{{cite web|url=http://www.throng.com.au/2012/03/johnny-ruffo-2/ |title=Dancing With the Stars – Johnny Ruffo |publisher=Throng. Throng Media |date=23 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030012717/http://www.throng.com.au/2012/03/johnny-ruffo-2/ |archive-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Lucas|first=Victoria|url=http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-features/artists/2012/06/12/young-men-society-owning-the-night/|title=Young Men Society: Owning the Night|work=The Music Network|publisher=Peer Group Media|date=12 June 2012|access-date=22 November 2012}}{{cite news|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/x-factor-winner-samantha-jades-single-what-youve-done-to-me-itunes-number-one/story-e6frg6n6-1226521427074|title=X Factor winner Samantha Jade's single What You've Done to Me iTunes number one|work=The Australian|date=22 November 2012|access-date=23 November 2012}}{{cite web|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/x-factor-stars-taylor-jai-and-third-d3gree-to-release-singles-today/story-e6frfn09-1226750712131|title=X Factor stars Taylor, Jai and Third Degree to release singles today|publisher=news.com.au (News Limited)|date=1 November 2013|access-date=1 November 2013}} Other contestants Christina Parie and Brothers3 signed with Warner Music Australia.{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Cameron|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/reality-hits-for-debut-album/story-fn93z1sm-1226435868862|title=Reality hits for Christina Parie's debut album|publisher=News.com.au (News Limited)|date=26 July 2012|access-date=2012-11-22}}{{cite news|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/reign-derry-finds-pop-life-after-x-factor-feels-like-heaven-with-her-record-deal-opening-doors/story-fntzvnra-1227514072681|title=Reign Derry finds pop life after X Factor Feels Like Heaven with her record deal opening doors|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=5 September 2015|access-date=8 September 2015}}

In November 2011, season three winner Reece Mastin became the first contestant to reach number one on the ARIA Singles Chart with the winner's single.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/music/rock-band-nickelback-and-x-factor-winner-reece-mastin-achieve-first-number-ones-on-australian-charts/story-e6frexl9-1226208219144|title=Rock band Nickelback and X Factor winner Reece Mastin achieve first number ones|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=28 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012}} Mastin is the most successful contestant, having released two top-five albums and three number-one singles (two in Australia and one in New Zealand).{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Reece+Mastin|title=Discography Reece Mastin|publisher=Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien|access-date=22 November 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Reece+Mastin|title=Discography Reece Mastin|publisher=New Zealand Charts Portal. Hung Medien|access-date=22 November 2012}} Season four winner Samantha Jade was the second contestant that topped the ARIA Singles Chart with the winner's single.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/samantha-jade-hits-number-one/story-e6freuz0-1226524180321|title=Samantha Jade hits number one|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 November 2012|access-date=14 April 2013}} Fifth season winner, Dami Im became the first X Factor Australia contestant to follow up a number one single with a number one album on the ARIA Charts.{{cite news|last=Vincent|first=Peter|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/dami-im-makes-xfactor-aria-charts-history-20131123-2y2cu.html|title=Dami Im makes X-Factor ARIA Charts history|work=The Age|date=23 November 2013|access-date=30 November 2016}} Im's debut single "Alive" was certified Platinum and topped the singles charts while her self titled debut album also certified Platinum and hit the top of the albums chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-albums-2013.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Albums |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=30 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205035615/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-albums-2013.htm |archive-date=5 February 2014}} Contestants have also achieved success on the New Zealand and South Korean charts.{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Young+Men+Society|title=Discography Young Men Society|publisher=New Zealand Charts Portal. Hung Medien|access-date=22 November 2012}}

The top twelve finalists of the fourth season recorded a cover of Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" as a charity single, in aid of Sony Foundation's You Can program which aims "to build specialised and age-appropriate youth cancer centres across Australia".{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14885409/top-12-answer-the-call-for-you-can/ |title=Top 12 Answer the Call for 'You Can' |work=The X Factor (Australia) |publisher=Yahoo!7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926005115/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/14885409/top-12-answer-the-call-for-you-can/ |archive-date=26 September 2012 |url-status=dead }} The single was released on the iTunes Store on 18 September 2012.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/call-me-maybe-sony-foundation/id562875932|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619050417/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/call-me-maybe-sony-foundation/id562875932|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 June 2014|title=iTunes – Music – Call Me Maybe (Sony Foundation Charity Single) – Single by X Factor Final 12|publisher=iTunes Store (Australia). Apple|access-date=18 September 2012}} It marked the first time finalists on the Australian version had released a charity single. The show's second charity single, a cover of Pharrell Williams' "Happy", was also released to help raise funds for the You Can program.{{cite web|url=http://www.sonyfoundation.org.au/au/news/justice-crew-x-factor-top-6-release-charity-single |title=Justice Crew, X Factor Top 6 release charity single |publisher=Sony Foundation |date=29 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020061930/http://www.sonyfoundation.org.au/au/news/justice-crew-x-factor-top-6-release-charity-single |archive-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=dead }} It was recorded by the top six finalists of the sixth season with Australian pop group Justice Crew and released on the iTunes Store on 29 September 2014.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/happy-x-factor-performance/id923348184|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927225227/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/happy-x-factor-performance/id923348184|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2014|title=Happy (X Factor Performance) – Single by Justice Crew & The X Factor Top 6|work=iTunes Store (Australia)|publisher=Apple|access-date=14 October 2014}}

{{Portal|Television|Australia|Music}}

• List of Australian music television shows
• List of Australian television series
• The X Factor

{{reflist}}

• [http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120706215726/http%3A//www.xfactortv.com.au/ Official website]

{{The X Factor (Australia)}}

{{The X Factor series}}

{{Seven Network programming}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:X Factor (Australian TV series), The}}

Category:2005 Australian television series debuts

Category:2005 Australian television series endings

Category:2010 Australian television series debuts

Category:2016 Australian television series endings

Category:Australian music television series

Category:Australian English-language television shows

Category:Music competitions in Australia

Category:Network 10 original programming

Category:Television series by Fremantle (company)

Category:Australian television series revived after cancellation

Category:Television shows set in Melbourne

Category:Television shows set in Sydney

Category:Seven Network original programming

Category:Australian television series based on British television series