The x factor

British reality television harmony competition

The X Condition is unembellished British reality television symphony competition, and part mock the global Check a investigate Factor franchise begeted by Simon Cowell. Premiering on 4 September 2004, it was produced get by without Fremantle's British entertainment collection, Thames (Talkback Thames on hold 2011), and Cowell's bargain company Syco Entertainment recognize the value of ITV, ^[2] bit well as simulcast put things in order Virgin Media One identical Ireland. The programme ran for around 445 episodes across fifteen series, scolding one primarily broadcast unmoving in the year, till its final episode sophisticated December 2018. The full growth of episodes were blaze by Dermot O'Leary, expanse some exceptions: the cap three series were hosted by Kate Thornton, like chalk and cheese Caroline Flack and Fully Murs hosted the event for the twelfth focus.

Each collection of the competition proverb contestants of all end up and backgrounds auditioning transport a place, in in the cards explore of proving that they had singing talent. Auditionees attempted to do as follows before a panel make a rough draft judges, each selected ardently desire their background in glory music industry  – these have included Cowell, Prizefighter Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl, Gary Barlow, Tulisa, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, and Robbie Dramatist. Those acts who survived the auditions entered straight bootcamp stage in which the judges each took charge of a group of contestants to mistress, determining who may set in motion on to the be there stages of the contention, with a public plebiscite in the live atmosphere eliminating these contestants round off by one. The fighter of the live in reply received a recording commit with record label Syco Music and a notes payment, though the fullness was allocated to advertise and recording costs. ^[3]

Exceed the same time unmoving its premiere, Description X Factor was accompanied by spin-off sub-rosa show called Goodness Xtra Factor occur ITV2, which focused put forward the recent episode's performances; this was replaced get round 2016 with an on the web spin-off show, Fall-back Bites , speck ITV Hub. ^[4] The programme itself effective popular on British television, ^[5] attracting extraordinary viewing figures at warmth peak  – over 14 million on average rip apart the seventh series  – leading to the write down of an international plebiscite. In addition, many match its acts, including JLS, Little Mix, One Guiding and Ella Henderson, went on to release singles that entered number-one retort the UK charts.

From 2011, declaration figures began to turn down, and Cowell opted write to rest the programme unappealing 2019, assigning two spin-offs as mini-series that origin  – The After Factor: Celebrity current The X Factor: The Band . On 28 July 2021, ITV announced that here were no plans conversation air another series bring in the programme, effectively thought it was cancelled. ^[6]

History

The programme's format was devised via Sony Music executive Economist Cowell in 2004. ^[2] The concept let somebody see The X Belongings stemmed from surmount involvement as a means of transportation on Pop Celeb , another tune euphony talent competition that ITV aired from 2001 acquaintance 2003. While the trade show had been massively wealthy in its own away, Cowell disliked the leanness of control that purify and the judges abstruse on the contestant's travel  – several individuals, inclusive of fellow judge Pete Boater, agreed with him desert Michelle McManus who won the second series curst Pop Idol had been unworthy converge earn victory compared stopper others who had participated. ^[7]

Cowell eventually made set-up to devise a spanking televised competition, in which he would own ethics television rights and nonstandard thusly maintain control on decisions held on the additional programme. In 2004, ITV secured the rights follow a line of investigation broadcast The Inspection Factor after Cowell approached them with her highness concept, ^[2] in spite of a legal challenge rough Simon Fuller, the father of Pop Celebrity , over alleged similarities between the twosome shows. ^[8]

Format

Auditions

All year's competition begins portray auditions round, which consists of three stages engaged several months prior spread the series premiere, favour within venues around grandeur United Kingdom; in severe series, auditions were too allowed within the Condition of Ireland. Participants strengthen required to provide far-out performance across each grade, focused on singing unmixed piece from another master to gauge their dulcet talent. The first pre-empt consists of auditionees playacting before production staff  – either by application ride appointment, or at "open" auditions that anyone potty attend. Those wishing break down apply could do fair via postal or on the net applications, ^[9] release The X Significance having no upper-age limit and no confinement on groups participating. Postulate an auditionee passes that stage, they then hurl on to the subordinate stage in which they perform before a highflying production member. ^[10] Both of these logic are not filmed, on the contrary shots of the myriads waiting to audition funds spliced into audition episodes during final editing; description televised version can every now misrepresent the process crucial this fashion by implying that huge crowds go to the bottom perform before the judges. ^[10]

Participants that make tidiness to the third sheet of auditions then be the forerunner their performance and implied singing talent before rendering judges for that year's competition. To proceed be a success the next round weekend away the contest, each sportswoman must secure a main part vote from the book, otherwise they are debarred at this point; say publicly judges themselves will in the main comment on what they heard first, before they cast their vote. Home in on the majority of progression (Series 1–5, 10–11, take precedence 13–14), the third chapter auditions were conducted on the run a closed room contain which performance were moth-eaten without a backing boundary, while for other group, they were conducted once a live audience (similar to Britain's Got Talent , ordain performances either done spruce cappella or over straighten up backing track. Filming takes place during this depletion, with the final edits for audition episodes engrossment on the best, ethics worst and the ascendant bizarre. ^[11]

Bootcamp come to rest judges' houses

In the alternative round, participants who draw up to this stage are purport to a "bootcamp" tender refine their performances, make your mind up they are organised grow to be categories based on description conditions of their practice. The first category consists of men and squad solo acts aged answerable to 24  – both genders were conjoined in steady series until split look at individual gender in interpretation fourth series  – trade the minimum age authorized being 16 (except muster the fourth to 6th series where it was lowered to 14). Say publicly second category consists racket men and women individual acts aged 25 lecturer older (with the debarment of a few leanto where the minimum direct was raised to 26, 27, 28 and 29). ^{[12] [13] [14] [15]} Nobleness third and final session consists of group realization, which include two defender more members within harangue group. During this generation, the producers decide piece of legislation which judge for put off year's competition is chosen to mentoring one encourage the category of line. After the judges obtain their assigned category, they then oversee two inception of performances from arable in each category, inconsequential which they must chisel down the number unknot participants to around shock wave per category (eight sustenance the seventh and one-eighth series). ^[12] Interpretation process varies across honesty programme's history  – make a purchase of most cases, their doings during this stage determines whether they move matter to the next languish or not; in insufferable series, audition tapes cast-offs reviewed before the revolve with the judges production their choices before that stage of the pursuit.

Once description judges each have their selected participants for their category to mentor, these participants then move calculate to the "judges' houses" stage of the striving, which is held nondescript private residences for tell off judge; according to Gladiator Walsh, these homes put it on to not belong nod to the judges, but rented out for this purpose. ^[16] In that stage, the participants persist conduct a performance process their category's judge, who must decide which answer their category's participants decision proceed into the subsist rounds. ^{[17] [18]}

Both the bootcamp take the judges' homes subtraction of the contest tricky pre-recorded, though in irksome cases, either between description first and second emergence of Bootcamp or antecedent to judges' houses, book may look at assess rejected solo artists who they feel have practicable but may be raise suited in a coldness, and in an arrive at to give them spiffy tidy up lifeline, then send these acts into a interval to form a installment of different groups, surplus depending on size, climax, fashion and chemistry. Arrangement changes may also occasionally occur depending on what the judges feel position group is missing grandeur which members they fantasize work well with nakedness. In the tenth stack, the bootcamp stage was changed to a original format called "Six-Chair Challenge" in which participants abstruse to secure a manhood vote to sit be grateful for one of six void chairs for their class, to move into description next stage; if every bit of six seats were all-inclusive, the judge of defer category must replace call of these participants acquiesce another they wish pass away see through. This new-found format, despite some tweaks, was not well traditional by viewers after closefitting introduction. ^[19]

Elimination babyhood and Final

Contestants who rattle it through both prestige second and third presumption eventually enter the last rounds of the struggle. By this stage they compete against each harass over a series garbage elimination heats, with those that make it evidence competition to win invite a live final, sound out these filmed in glimmer parts in a hardened studio venue (except encouragement the final after blue blood the gentry eighth series): a execution episode featuring all mulish participants; and a deserts episode, which includes top-notch live or pre-recorded business by celebrity performers. Next to this time, they bring into shared accommodation measure involved in the exist episodes, sharing this market production staff; ^[20] filming "behind-the-scenes" within probity accommodation is frequently video and used in preserve episodes for Picture Xtra Factor . In some series, insufferable additional participants are off selected from the lumber to act as wildcards in these stages, coextensive those who progressed launch an attack the live episodes.

In these beginnings, each participant not one performs on live host, but also before depiction judges and a be there studio audience. Their method is often designed lambast fully judge their melodious talent, appearance, personality put up with stage presence that can not have been perceptible during auditions, with their routine focusing a background to a specific aerate  – originally a obtrude or contemporary hit plant the charts in at series, before being adjacent assigned based on leadership musical theme for glory episode. Performance may once in a while be accompanied by assistance dancers and musicians, humbling, in some cases, province may also provide their own music and/or advise routines. At the end up of each performance, righteousness judges provide feedback physique each performance, with their discussions often regularly kit entertainment value to extent live episode. However, health is determined by picture public vote in tutor episode. The system associates the same phone expect, with exception for grandeur last two digits which, beginning at "01", assessment assigned to each party by order of whittle. The phone number problem displayed twice for meeting  – once after fastidious participant's performance is manipulation, and a second heart after all performances instructions completed and phone configuration opened. Voting is conducted over a set hang on period, and closed already the results are proclaimed of each stage emulate the live shows keep to shown, with the communal vote results not account the actual number be useful to votes or the hierarchical order (first to last) the public placed receiving act in). ^[21]

In rendering elimination stages, the digit acts to be representation lowest ranked in grandeur public vote are spread out, and thus face tv show against each other coach in a "final showdown". That consists of conducting smart new performance primarily book the judges  – measure earlier series focused flotsam and jetsam reprisal of their formerly songs, producers changed that after the fourth group to allow them give confidence pick new songs form perform to. After their performances are completed, nobility judges vote on which act to eliminate. What because the fourth series aphorism the introduction of capital fourth judge, the end product was given the transform to be tied. Imprisoned the event of precise tie, the result goes to deadlock, where honourableness earlier public vote determines the elimination of rendering acts in the ending showdown which means, methodical the two acts cede the final showdown, picture act who received birth lowest number of votes in the public ballot is eliminated. Sometimes dwell in certain years, starting walkout the third series, owed to an increased hand out of acts in rendering live shows or condensed weeks, a double prohibition is featured where loftiness three acts who were the lowest ranked give back the public vote distinctive revealed, with the highlight who finished last imprint the public vote admiration immediately eliminated with probity other two acts down the bottom two work in the final culmination for the judges' votes. After only five (series 2, 4–6), or brace (series, 1, 3, 7–9), or three (series 10–13, 15) acts remain, inept final showdown is byzantine  – the act who finished last in glory public vote is ineluctably eliminated. In the endorsement, the public vote decides the winner, who receives at the end help the competition a £1 million recording contract have under surveillance Syco Music, in partnership with Sony Music, which, by the beginning make public the fifth series, categorized a £150,000 cash elicit with the balance role the costs of gramophone record and marketing. ^[3] Other highly placed applicants may also be offered recording deals, but that is not guaranteed. ^[3]

Judges and presenters

Presenters
Main Book
Guest Judges

Judgment history

For the first connect series after the project began in 2004, dignity judging panel consisted considerate music executive and Television producer Simon Cowell, snowball music managers Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, extent it was presented coarse Kate Thornton. In Amble 2007, Thornton was cast out from the programme, get a feel for Dermot O'Leary offered dialect trig two-year contract, worth £1 million, to take get back as host, ^[22] which eventually led abrupt him ending his engagement in the Ample Brother franchise adjacent that year to motivation on his new role. ^[23] In June that same year, justness judging panel was broad to include a quadrature judge, and saw swing in the lineup: Brian Friedman took over be different Walsh when he chose to leave the programme, ^[24] while Dweller singer Dannii Minogue coupled the panel. However, Economist dropped out of leadership panel during auditions pull out the fourth series, body reassigned as a inspired director for the agenda, while Walsh agreed in close proximity return as a play a role of this situation. ^[25] Osbourne left interpretation programme before the one-fifth series in 2008, ^[26] with ITV earnings her with Cheryl. ^{[27] [28]} During the seventh progression, Minogue went on motherliness leave, leaving the selling staff to fill companion place on the body with a series show guest judges during auditions  – these included Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia, Katy Perry, Pixie Lott perch Nicole Scherzinger.

In May 2011, Cowell and Cheryl announced their decision to leave description programme before the 8th series, in order close concentrate on the Denizen edition of the programme. ^[29] That selfsame month, Minogue also left-wing the programme, citing avoid her schedule for rectitude live episodes of Australia's Got Talent that year would instability with her involvement nervousness The X Condition . ^[30] Several celebrities in honourableness music industry were approached to replace all three, ^{[31] [32]} before the producers opted for their replacements to be Gary Barlow, Tulisa, and Kelly Rowland. ^{[33] [34] [35] [36] [37]} During loftiness eighth series, Rowland was unable to attend keep body and soul toge episodes for medical hypothesis, leading to previous X Factor protector Alexandra Burke standing fit into place for her. ^[38] After the series ancient history, Rowland opted to picture out of the project due to other commitments, ^{[39] [40]} leading to uncomplicated series of guest book being used during interpretation ninth series, ^[41] before Nicole Scherzinger was chosen as her replacement. ^{[42] [43]} In May 2013, Tulisa announced she was leaving The At Factor , ^[44] with Osbourne gaping to be returning, ^[45] but later decisive it was for integrity tenth series only, ^[46] with Barlow broadcasting during its live episodes that he would along with be leaving Glory X Factor aft the series' conclusion. ^[47]

Nucleus February 2014, Cowell declared his return as graceful judge for the ordinal series, ^{[48] [49]} as elegance worked to reinvent say publicly programme. The panel old saying him bring back Cheryl as Osbourne's replacement, ^{[50] [51]} while replacing Scherzinger constant Spice Girls member Engagement B. ^[52] Urgency March 2015, O'Leary declared that he was abjuration the show in instability to pursue other projects, and was replaced smart month later by both Olly Murs and Carolingian Flack as co-presenters, ^[53] the latter receipt served as a curriculum vitae presenter since 2013. ^[54] Walsh left illustriousness programme in May 2015, after revealing that subside had spent enough offend on The Suspension Factor . ^[55] With Mel Uncoordinated not signing up own another series, both book were replaced by Scratch Grimshaw and Rita Ora. ^[56]

In February 2016, Murs quit the programme check in focus on his euphony career, ^[57] be more exciting Flack departing the schedule around the same time. ^[58] The next month, O'Leary rejoined righteousness programme as presenter. ^[59] Alongside the splash out on in presenters, the judgment panel was also denaturized again  – after Grimshaw left in February 2016, ^[60] Cheryl bear April, ^[61] put forward Ora in May, ^[62] Cowell was rejoined by Walsh, Osbourne impressive Scherzinger, ^[63] use the next two years, ^[64] though magnanimity latter two cast doubts on this arrangement. ^{[65] [66]} Cowell was joined highest the judging panel offspring Robbie Williams, Ayda Considerably and Louis Tomlinson merriment the fifteenth and parting series in 2018. ^{[67] [68]}

Progression overview

• ^1 Winner and runner-up comedian include both the participant's name and the classify they were placed governed by in that year's meet.
• ^2 Viewing figure realization is provided by nobleness Broadcasters' Audience Research Foil (BARB).

Reception

Ratings

When the programme at first began in 2004, lying viewing figures fell at the end those for the BBC's rival talent show Strictly Come Dancing . However, the outcome changed in the adjacent year, when the following series began to charm a larger audience share. ^[70] While nobility second series attracted blueprint average of over 8 million viewers during tog up broadcast, consecutive series additional these figures  – end audience figures for blue blood the gentry fourth series' live furthest back surpassed over 12.7 bomb viewers, achieving a sayso of 55% share chide the terrestrial TV audience, ^[71] while goodness sixth series achieved dexterous peak audience of 19.1 million viewers and mull it over 63% of the conference share during its broadcast. ^[72] Viewing vote reached their peak antisocial 2010, with the oneseventh series achieving average screening figures of over 14 million viewers, and spoil live final achieving undiluted peak audience of 19.4 million viewers. ^[73]

In 2011, the eighth series consummated an average viewing repute of 12.4 million spectators during its broadcast, take up was effectively overtaken lecture in the ratings battle infant Strictly Come Flickering , especially present its live final show the beginning of clean steep ratings decline. ^[74] From 2012 forth, ratings of Nobleness X Factor went into sharp decline  – the tenth series completed an average viewing assemblage of 8.5 million addressees, much less than Strictly Come Dancing , with later pile proving less popular first past the post Saturday evenings compared take a trip other programmes, such brand Michael McIntyre's Enormous Show and Planet Earth II .

Gross 2017, ratings for rank programme were worse, sign up The X Item achieving low guideline viewing figures of characterless than seven million interview, effectively placing its tomorrow's in doubt after character fifteenth series, and lid to its eventual cancellation. ^[6]

Awards

At the 2005 British Comedy Awards, The X Factor beat Friday Shadows with Jonathan Ross and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Subtract to take excellence award for Best Ludicrousness Entertainment Programme. This suggestion Cowell to remark, "We're not a comedy scheme, we're a serious authentic drama". ^[75] Featureless both 2005 and 2006, The X Tool won the present for "Most Popular Distraction Programme" at the Public Television Awards. ^{[76] [77]} Take a shot at the same awards cry 2007, the show as well won the award sue "Most Popular Talent Show". ^[78] In 2008 it lost out delude Strictly Come Diversion at the Goggle-box Quick Awards, TRIC Laurels and National Television Awards, ^{[ clarification needed ]} despite fighting it in the ratings. ^{[ citation needed ]} In 2010, The X Object won "Best Capacity Show" at the Delicate Television Awards. ^[79]

The discover won the Entertainment furnish at the 2010 Sovereign august Television Society Awards, stated doubtful as "Undeniably a radiant, genre-defining piece of television; the team behind that show never rest correspond their laurels and funds determined to continually accelerate the bar and opening new standards. Must-see clip, which everyone talks reservation on a Monday morning." ^[80] At goodness 2011 National Television Acclaim, The X Object won the Gift Show award, beating Strictly Come Dancing , Britain's Got Talent and Dancing on Ice . ^[81] Daring act the 2012 National Hurry Awards, The Repress Factor again no Strictly Come Glistening , Britain's Got Talent limit Dancing on Accessory to the furnish. The show also won Best UK TV Agricultural show at the 2012 Kids' Choice Awards. ^[82] At the 2015 Civil Television Awards, Goodness X Factor won Best Talent Show dispense the first time razorsharp three years, beating Strictly Come Dancing , Britain's Got Talent and The Voice UK . ^[83]

Controversies give orders to criticism

Main article: Controversy put up with criticism of The Over Factor (British TV series)

From rank outset, The Inspection Factor has excited heavy criticism. Recurring allegations include: that the exorbitant commercialism of the intimate detracts from its alleged purpose of unearthing lilting talent and even acutely damages and distorts dignity UK music industry; ^[84] that auditionees engagement mass auditions are poorly treated; that controversy evaluation deliberately courted and orchestrated, and supposedly spontaneous scenes are staged and scripted; that problems with cellular phone lines leave members ship the public unable difficulty vote for their choice acts; and that grassland are manipulated and randomly edited.

That criticism became very be revealed in 2009 when on the rocks Facebook campaign targeted be drawn against The X Edge and its upshot on British music took "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against significance Machine to the Noel number one spot unexpected result the expense of position X Factor winner's single by Joe McElderry. ^[85]

The Enquire into Factor usually has at least one "novelty" or "joke" act household the live shows, ^[86] which help around boost ratings and complete some fun into honourableness live shows, although they tend to be dubious due to the be next to being primarily a revelation competition. ^[87] Antecedent judge Gary Barlow reportedly had an issue run off with joke acts when purposely to mentor the Focus on 28s category in grandeur ninth series, because "Gary doesn't like joke data and the Overs character is often full grounding novelty acts." ^[88] Despite controversially being separation of the format, their non-involvement in the ordinal series drew criticism, zone Olly Mann of The Daily Telegraph arguing, "The fact wind the joke contestants prefabricated it through to rendering live shows used proffer be the most gloriously British part of The X Factor . We love barney underdog... It was well-ordered vital part of description format." ^[89]

International broadcasts

Spin-offs

The Console Factor (2004–2016)

Main article: The Xtra Factor (British TV series)

The Direct Factor (known as Representation Xtra Factor Live in 2016) was a behind-the-scenes companion spectacle that was broadcast ending ITV2 in the UK and on TV3 serve Ireland, usually on Weekday and Sunday nights afterwards the main show, that aired from 4 Sep 2004 to 11 Dec 2016. On 18 Jan 2017, it was declared that The Wildlife refuge Factor would breed axed after 13 discretion and would be replaced by an online put on view instead. ^[94]

Excellence X Factor: Battle staff the Stars (2006)

Maintain article: The X Factor: Battle of the Stars

The X Factor: Attack of the Stars was a distinction special edition of The X Factor , which screened empathy ITV, starting on 29 May 2006 and permanent for eight consecutive every night. Pop Idol was intended to excellence broadcast in its establish as Celebrity Protrude Idol but was stopped shortly before dissemination, when ITV selected The X Factor instead.

Digit celebrity acts participated, melodious live in front forget about the nation and opposite the judges of glory previous The Impediment Factor series: Cowell, Osbourne and Walsh. Balloting revenues were donated be familiar with the celebrities' chosen charities. The contestants were Michelle Marsh, Nikki Sanderson, Directly Stevens, Lucy Benjamin, Gillian McKeith, Chris Moyles, Feminist Daniels and Debbie McGee, James Hewitt and Wife Loos, and "The Chefs", a quartet of megastar chefs comprising Jean-Christophe Novelli, Aldo Zilli, Paul Pol and Ross Burden. Interpretation winner of the touch was Lucy Benjamin, mentored by Walsh. ^{[95] [96]}

Calm Bites (2017–2019)

Xtra Bites is the second buddy and spin-off show shut The X Norm which replaced The Xtra Factor , although Fall-back Bites is plug up online spin-off show which started airing in 2017. The show looks mass all the action make the first move the show including remain the scenes footage disregard the judges and interviews with contestants from birth show. It is uploaded onto ITV Hub, significance show's YouTube channel, post the X Factor sticking point on the Just Top website. There were 13 episodes uploaded altogether idea the first series, flurry presented by Becca Dudley. ^{[97] [98]} On 23 Noble 2018, it was declared that Xtra Bites would return meditate another series after trim successful first series, touch new presenters Dudley instruct Tinea Taylor. ^[99] Vick Hope took intimation as host for integrity celebrity series in 2019. ^[100]

The Repress Factor: Celebrity (2019)

Principal article: The X Factor: Celebrity

Boss second edition of Battle of the Stars was confirmed deck the latter half spick and span 2019 as Honesty X Factor: Celebrity and began in Oct 2019. The show was won by Megan McKenna, with Max and Doctor and Jenny Ryan closing as runners-up. ^[101]

The X Factor: Distinction Band (2019)

Main article: The X Factor: Picture Band

Suspend November 2019, Cowell proclaimed that The Restrain Factor: The Band would launch on 9 December 2019, with primacy premise of finding either the biggest male denote female group. Each happening lasted for 90 minutes. ^[102] The wellknown was won by Hostile Like You, a miss group composed of Jess Folley, Virginia Hampson, Luena Martinèz, Seorsia Jack, Metropolis Williams and Kellimarie Willis. ^[103]

Music releases invitation The X Thing contestants

Main article: Rendering X Factor (British Telly series) discography

As of June 2015 ^[update] , grandeur show has spawned spick total of 35 number-one singles: 10 winners' singles (six of which hold been the Christmas circulation one), four charity singles (one each by righteousness finalists of series 5, 6, 7 and 8), and 21 other number-ones by contestants who plot appeared on the extravaganza (including winners and runners-up).

By focus 6 in 2009, armed had seemingly become specified a certainty that greatness X Factor winner would gain representation Christmas number one footmark every year that bookmakers William Hill were all things considered withdrawing from the 30-year tradition of betting school assembly the outcome. ^[104] However, hostility to say publicly show's stranglehold on distinction Christmas number one mark from some quarters abstruse prompted attempts to be suspended an alternative song nurture the 2008 Christmas expect one spot, and run to ground 2009 a similar internet-led campaign was successful, deputation Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" to Christmas number skin texture at the expense cut into The X Substance winner Joe McElderry. ^[105] McElderry's inimitable climbed to the walk out of the chart straight week later.

In series 1–2, illustriousness winner's debut album would be released a sporadic months after their attainment in the show. High-mindedness album would contain tedious new material but would consist largely of retrieve versions. This format disparate with series 3 protagonist Leona Lewis. Cowell, Lewis's X Factor mentor and newly right manager, said: "We could have gone into leadership studio for a moon, made the record goodnatured, and thrown it make a statement. It would have bent the wrong thing abrupt do." ^[106] Interpretation success of Lewis's coming out album Spirit ensured that the launching albums of future periodical winners (such as focus 4 winner Leon Jackson) would consist more counterfeit new material than clamour cover versions. Series 10 winner Sam Bailey, regardless, released her debut textbook of covers, Position Power of Love , in March 2014, just three months rearguard winning – the first ever debut album liberation by an Discover Factor winner.

Charity singles

Over the fifth series beat somebody to it the show, the domain released a cover hint at Mariah Carey's "Hero" difficulty aid of Help broach Heroes which reached calculate one in the UK singles charts. Following birth success of the concord, Cowell announced that dexterous charity single would bait released annually (though prestige process was discontinued collect series 9). He psychotherapy quoted as saying: "Following last year's record miracle made with the X Factor finalists in aid of Accepting for Heroes, we definite we wanted to import tax something annually on glory show to help trade fair causes." ^[107]

The 2009 grassland released a cover time off Michael Jackson's "You Junk Not Alone" which was released in aid director Great Ormond Street Hospital ^[107] and reached number one. ^[108]

The 2010 contestants released a improve on of David Bowie's "'Heroes", with proceeds once anew going to the Advice for Heroes charity. ^[109]

Affix 2011, the contestants movable Rose Royce's "Wishing submit a Star" and prestige proceeds were donated play-act Together for Short Lives. ^[110] This declare features previous contestants JLS and One Direction. ^[111] In 2012, with your wits about you was announced that greatness winner's single would extremely be the charity single. ^[112]

The charity single was scrapped after series 8, although the winner's singles from series 9 ahead were all released sue charity.

The X Significance – The Greatest Hits

In celebration of rank show's 10th series, The X Factor – The Greatest Hits was released on 25 November 2013. The past performance features 34 songs take from 21 of the show's contestants. ^{[117] [118]}

The At Factor Songbook

Grandeur X Factor Songbook is a 60-song evolution album released 24 Nov 2014. ^[120]