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Epizoda
Sezona
The X Factor
20045
Reality
Objavljeno
04. ruj 2004.
Država
Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo
Produkcije
Talkback ThamesFremantleMediaSyco Television
X Factor je britansko televizijsko glazbeno natjecanje za pronalazak novih pjevačkih talenata, u kojem se natječu budući pjevači izabrani putem javnih audicija.
About
Quick guide
The X Factor (2004) is the original UK music competition that blended public auditions, expert judging, and live voting, setting the stage for modern talent shows.
The X Factor premiered in 2004 on ITV, setting the stage for modern talent shows. Auditions were held in major UK cities, opening the door for solo artists, groups and older singers. Contestants progressed through boot‑camp, judges’ houses, and live rounds, with a panel of three judges mentoring categories. The show’s format combined music performance, drama, and public voting, culminating in a finale that awarded a £1 million record deal. Its live broadcast captured millions, and its judges became household names, adding drama and excitement to Saturday evenings. Its popularity spurred spin‑offs and a global franchise, cementing its role in the UK television landscape.
What to know
- Auditions held in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Dublin.
- Three judges: Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh.
- Categories: Over 25s, 16–24s, Groups.
- Live shows decided by public voting plus judges’ mentorship.
- Winner receives £1 million record deal with Syco.
- Series ran from 2004‑2005, 24 episodes total.
- Spin‑off “The Xtra Factor” aired on ITV2.
- The show set UK ratings high, reaching 7–8 million viewers.
Watch if
If you enjoy lively music competitions where contestants showcase diverse genres, feel the thrill of public voting, and appreciate charismatic judges who push performers to grow, The X Factor offers an engaging blend of talent, drama, and the promise of a recording contract.
Skip if
Skip the show if you dislike reality‑TV drama, prefer scripted dramas, or are uninterested in music contests where public votes often outweigh performance skill.
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Premise Overview
The X Factor introduced a new type of music reality show, featuring public auditions, expert judging, and live performance rounds. Contestants ranged from solo singers to groups and were evaluated on vocal talent and stage presence. The series blended entertainment with genuine talent discovery, creating a platform for aspiring artists to reach a national audience.
Judges and Mentors
The original panel consisted of Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh. Each judge was assigned a category—Over 25s, 16–24s, or Groups—and mentored contestants through the competition. Their personalities and candid feedback became a key draw for viewers, adding drama and insight into the industry.
Competition Stages
After open auditions, selected acts moved to boot‑camp, a multi‑day challenge where judges narrowed the field. Successful contestants then competed at judges’ houses, performing for their assigned mentor and a guest judge. Winners of these rounds advanced to the televised live shows, culminating in a grand finale that determined the winner.
Audition Locations
The 2004 series held auditions in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and Dublin. These open‑call sessions allowed anyone over 16 to try out, creating a diverse pool of talent. The location spread helped attract regional acts and broaden the national appeal of the competition.
Live Broadcast Format
Live shows were broadcast twice per week, featuring performances followed by results. Judges offered commentary, and the public voted via telephone and online platforms. The voting window was limited, adding urgency, while the results were announced on the following evening, maintaining suspense for viewers.
Public Voting Mechanics
Viewers had a set period to vote after each live performance. Votes were tallied and combined with judges’ decisions to eliminate acts. The lowest vote totals faced a showdown, where judges voted to decide the final elimination, balancing public opinion with professional assessment.
Cultural Impact
The X Factor redefined talent shows in the UK, driving record sales and launching careers such as Leona Lewis and One Direction. Its format inspired international versions and spin‑offs like The Xtra Factor. The series also sparked debates about fairness, judge influence, and the commercial nature of reality TV, cementing its place in modern broadcast history.
FAQ
22 Q&A
Who won the first series of The X Factor (2004)?
Steve Brookstein won the inaugural series, earning a £1 million record deal. His victory marked the beginning of the show's successful run.
What prize does the winner receive?
The winner is awarded a £1 million recording contract with Syco Music, along with a chance to release a single in the UK.
Who were the judges in the inaugural series?
Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh served as the original judging panel, each mentoring a specific category of contestants.
How many episodes were in the first series?
The first series ran for 24 episodes, including auditions, boot‑camp, judges’ houses, and live shows.
Where were the auditions held?
Auditions took place in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Dublin, allowing a wide geographic spread of contestants.
What were the contestant categories?
Contestants were divided into Over 25s, 16–24s, and Groups, each mentored by one of the judges.
Who mentored the Over 25s category?
Simon Cowell was assigned the Over 25s category and guided contestants through the competition.
Who presented the show?
Kate Thornton presented the first series, hosting live shows and providing commentary.
How did the public voting work?
Viewers could vote by telephone or online during a set window after each live performance, influencing which acts advanced.
What was the role of the judges during live shows?
Judges offered feedback and voted in elimination showdowns, balancing professional opinion with public votes.
When did the live shows start?
The first live show aired on 23 October 2004, marking the start of the televised competition.
How many finalists competed in the live rounds?
Nine finalists advanced to the live rounds, competing for the final prize.
Who was the runner‑up in the first series?
The runner‑up was the group G4, who finished second in the final.
Were there any spin‑off shows?
Yes, The Xtra Factor aired on ITV2, providing behind‑the‑scenes coverage of each episode.
What was the format of boot‑camp?
Boot‑camp featured multi‑day challenges where contestants performed in groups and individually, with judges selecting those who moved on.
Did the show face any controversies?
Controversies included accusations of judging bias and production tactics, sparking debates about fairness.
How long did each live episode last?
Live episodes typically ran between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of acts.
Were there any guest judges?
The inaugural series did not feature guest judges; only the main panel was present.
How did the judges' houses stage work?
Contestants performed for their mentor and a guest judge in private house settings, with decisions made on the day.
What was the audience reception?
The show attracted 7–8 million viewers per episode, making it a hit among Saturday night audiences.
Did The X Factor inspire other shows?
Yes, it led to similar formats like The Voice and Britain's Got Talent, expanding the talent‑show genre.
When did the first series end?
The first series concluded on 11 December 2004, with the final live show.
