'The X Factor': The programme that has changed TV & music forever.
2004 - 2013: 10 years, 10 winners & 10 judges.
10 years ago, 2 managers & a record label boss took their seats behind a desk, unaware of the phenomenon that they, as a team, were about to create. Simon Cowell hired Louis Walsh & Sharon Osbourne to join him on a new talent show; a new search for a superstar; a future record-breaking programme that would change the face of British TV & music forever. 3 (& eventually) 4 judges & 3 (& eventually) 4 categories but only 1 winner...
A decade on & it has produced some of the biggest stars in the country (& sometimes, in the world), including One Direction (35 million records sold), Leona Lewis (30 million records sold), Olly Murs (11 million records sold), JLS (10 million records sold) & many more. These are just contestants from the UK; the show has become a hit around the world, producing stars in their respective countries too.
Not only has it influenced music, it has courted controversy on an annual basis & pulled in huge audiences weekly over the years, with finals peaking at nearly 20 million viewers. 'X Factor' remains the only programme on TV that remains in the press all year round, even when it is not on air, due to the constant speculation regarding those 4 famous chairs...
Not only has it influenced music, it has courted controversy on an annual basis & pulled in huge audiences weekly over the years, with finals peaking at nearly 20 million viewers. 'X Factor' remains the only programme on TV that remains in the press all year round, even when it is not on air, due to the constant speculation regarding those 4 famous chairs...
What does 'The X Factor' mean to you?
I asked a few people, who are related to the programme in some way, either as former contestants or as fans, a simple question (above)...
Rylan Clark, a former contestant: "It was the start of the rest of my life."
Kevin Hughes, a showbiz reporter: "As well as being entertaining TV for the masses, it's completely transformed & dictated the direction of the UK music industry/landscape."
Sam Callahan, a former contestant: "It's where it all began! It's my home ground & my family! I hope that so many dreams can come true for me."
Shirley Ashworth, James Arthur's mum: "When all else fails, give it a go, you never know, it may change your life."
The most iconic 'X Factor' moment of all time:
The most-watched audition of all time:
The biggest 'X Factor' success story:
The week before the show celebrates its 10th anniversary with a blockbuster weekend of performances of previous contestants' hits & 5 special guests (Jessie J, JLS, Mary J Blige, Olly Murs & One Direction), ITV's confirmed that the record-breaking programme will remain on our screens for another 3 years, until 2016 at least, along with 'Britain's Got Talent'.
The future looks positive for 'The X Factor' with Simon Cowell's return looking even more likely & Cheryl Cole, Rita Ora & Robbie Williams being reported to be joining him. Who knows who'll be sitting at that famous desk? The current series remains consistent & a guaranteed fact is that this programme will continue to produce stars, break records & most importantly, entertain millions of people, through TV & music for many years to come.
Happy birthday, 'X Factor'!
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