X Factor (Italy)

X Factor is a successful TV show airing on prime time in Italy. The singing competition is the Italian version of The X Factor franchise. It was hosted until the Season 4 by Francesco Facchinetti, its judges in the first two series (2008 and 2008–2009) were the musical producer Mara Maionchi, TV host Simona Ventura and the singer-songwriter Morgan.

In the third series (2009), former actress/singer-turned-music producer Claudia Mori replaced Ventura as judge.

The fourth series faced many changes: first of all the categories became four like the UK version: 25+, Groups, Boys and Girls. Also, the judge's table faced a major shook-up: Mara Maionchi is the only judge confermed from the past seasons. Claudia Mori and Morgan have been replaced by singer and musician Elio, singer-songwriter Enrico Ruggeri and pop singer Anna Tatangelo.

The fifth series is now aired by pay-tv Sky Uno, the entertainment-purposed channel of Sky Italy, owned by News Corporation. The host is the former MTV veejay Alessandro Cattelan, while the four judges are the TV host Simona Ventura, the young singer Arisa and the singers and songwriters Elio and Morgan.

The winners of the first edition were the Vocal Group Aram Quartet. Giusy Ferreri, the runner-up of the show, has become one of the most successful female singers in Italy. The winner of the second edition was Matteo Becucci (25+ years), while Noemi came to major success between the Italian public; the third edition was won by Marco Mengoni. The three series have been won by acts mentored by Morgan. Elio has token the title in the fourth season with Nathalie Giannitrapani.

2010 guests

The fourth edition hosted, until now, many national and international guests, such Rihanna, Katy Perry, Skunk Anansie, Taylor Swift, Bob Sinclar, Ben Onono, Take That, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Pixie Lott, 50 Cent and Enrique Iglesias. As well as Natalie Imbruglia in 2009.

Finalists, categories and judges

First Edition (2008)

In the first edition held in the period 10 March 2008 to 27 May 2008, Morgan's contestants (Vocal Groups) were labelled "red contestants", Simona's contestants (25+ years) the "orange contestants" and Mara's (16–24 years) the "blue contestants"

Second Edition (2008-2009)

The second series was held between 25 November 2008 and 19 April 2009. The three judges were the same as the first series line-up. Simona Ventura mentored the "16-24s", Morgan the "25 and Overs" and Mara Maionchi the Groups. The winner was Matteo Becucci from the 25 and over category.

Third Edition (2009)

In the third edition from 16 June 2009 until 2 December 2009, the judge Simona Ventura was replaced by Claudia Mori. Morgan's contestants (16–24 years) were dubbed the "blue contestants", Claudia Mori's contestants (25+ years) the "orange" and Mara Maionchi's category of the Vocal Groups, the "red contestants".

The A&K, Mara's group, were formed by Andrea and Chiara (Kiara). However, Chiara was later disqualified from the show because of a regulation prohibiting the sons/daughters of RAI employees from entering the show, in this case, Chiara's Mother. She was replaced by Daniele Vit.

Fourth Edition (2010)

From this year there are four categories with the respective judges:

• Mara Maionchi (16-24 Boys)
• Anna Tatangelo (16-24 Girls)
• Elio (25 +)
• Enrico Ruggeri (Vocal Groups)

Fifth Edition (2011)

The fifth edition of Italian X Factor will be televised from 20 October 2011 to 6 January 2012, buy it will be on Sky Uno, rather than Rai 2 that broadcast the first four series. The auditions were held from 5 July to 12 September 2011.

From this year there are four categories with the respective judges:

• Morgan (16-24 Boys)
• Simona Ventura (16-24 Girls)
• Arisa (25 +)
• Elio (Vocal Groups)

In the final 5 January 2012, X Factor was broadcast for the first time ever in 3D on Sky 3D.

External links

• Official website