Look out New Zealand. The world’s biggest entertainment program is on the way! A local version of global phenomenon, The X Factor is coming to TV3.

 

Put on the global map by music mogul Simon Cowell, The X Factor is the world’s largest talent show and pits contestants against each other in the search for the person or group with the ultimate X Factor – and who has the makings of a true star.

 

Kelly Martin, TV Director of Programming says TV3 is thrilled to have secured such an outstanding show from FremantleMedia.  

 

“We know that the talent is out there to make The X Factor - a world class entertainment event right here in New Zealand.”

 

Martin says the format of the show, which allows individuals and groups to compete, opens it right up and allows the show to be taken to a whole new level.

 

“You only have to look overseas at the success of the UK version to see how much audiences have embraced the format to know it is going to be the same runaway success in New Zealand.”

 

“Programs like The X Factor don’t come along every day. It is a global super hit and the chance to bring it to New Zealand is one that excites us and Sony Music very much,” said Ian Hogg CEO FremantleMedia Australia. “Sony will launch the career of our series winner so you can be sure that The X Factor contestants will soon dominate the airwaves.”

 

Since its first UK series in 2004, The X Factor has established itself as the world’s leading singing talent search – successfully launching in over 20 territories, including France, Russia, Spain, Greece, Italy and Denmark. Winning contestants include Leona Lewis, who won The X Factor in the UK in 2006 – she has gone on to become a multi-platinum artist across Europe, the US and Australia. Her debut album ‘Spirit’ sold over 6.5 million copies globally. 2008 winner Alexandra Burke is currently touring the world promoting her debut album Overcome.

 

TV3 has picked up the rights to the new American version of the show. This show is being made by and will star Simon Cowell, the creator of The X Factor format and will screen on Fox in the States.  TV3 will also screen the Australian show which is currently in production and which features host Matthew Newton and judges Kyle Sandilands, Ronan Keating, Guy Sebastien and Natalie Imbruglia.

 

The X Factor will be open to singers of all ages – either solo performers or groups. Once through the final audition process, the four judges will take on mentoring roles, as the performers are split into categories - Boys under 25, Girls under 25, the over 25s and the Groups.

 

The X Factor is a FremantleMedia owned format and will be co-produced by MediaWorks and FremantleMedia Australia.