Plot Synopsis

In the original UK version of X FACTOR, which started the worldwide phenomenon, aspiring singers compete against each other in an elimination competition as they vie for the grand prize: a recording contract. The competition is open to performers age 14 and above, with no upper age limit, and singers may perform as solo artists or in vocal groups. Singers begin the competition in the audition phase, advance to the next phase -- a boot camp (Seasons 1-9 & 12) or a six-seat challenge (Seasons 10 & 11) -- after which the judges have collectively selected 24 total acts with six acts in each of four categories: girls under 25; boys under 25; individuals over 25; and groups. Each judge is assigned to one of the groups to mentor, and, with the help of celebrity guests, each judge reduces their group to three acts. These 12 acts compete in the finals, which are a series of two-episode live events during which the contestants perform on the first night and one competitor is sent home at the end of the second night. These live shows continue until only one act remains. On Sunday, August 31, 2014, AXS TV aired the U.S. premiere of Season 11, marking the first time THE X FACTOR UK regularly appeared on U.S. television, featuring: Simon Cowell, who returned to the panel for the first time in three years; former Spice Girl and AMERICA'S GOT TALENT judge Mel B, who made her first appearance as a full-time judge, after previously serving as a guest on the series; UK pop singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (nee Cole), who also returned for the first time in three years; and esteemed music manager Louis Walsh, making his eleventh consecutive appearance since 2004. Starting Sunday, August 30, 2015 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Season 12 of THE X FACTOR UK airs in the United States on AXS TV on Sundays and Mondays, 24 hours after the respective UK broadcasts. Season 12 marked the return of fan-favorite judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (nee Cole) who were joined by a new pair of judges, international pop superstar Rita Ora and respected BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw as well as two brand new hosts -- singer/songwriter and former contestant Olly Murs and TV personality Caroline Flack. On Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, AXS TV aired the U.S. premiere of the thirteenth season of THE X FACTOR UK one night after the world premiere of the new season. For Season 13, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh all return to the judges' table, where they join Simon Cowell. Plus, Dermot O'Leary returns to host after a one-season break. Viewers can tweet along during the show with #UKintheUSA. THE X FACTOR UK returned for its 14th season -- and its fourth consecutive year on AXS TV -- as the cable network aired the U.S. premiere of the new season at 9pm ET/6pm PT on Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4, 2017. Hosted by series mainstay Dermot O'Leary, this season once again features a judging panel that includes producer, music expert and series creator Simon Cowell, who is re-joined by music manager, TV host and original X FACTOR judge Sharon Osbourne; solo artist Nicole Scherzinger; and music manager Louis Walsh. In the two-night season premiere, the judges head across the UK in search of the next international superstar for the first week of auditions where X FACTOR hopefuls perform in front the judges in an intimate setting in hopes of securing a spot in the Bootcamp round. Season 15 of THE X FACTOR UK had its U.S. debut with a two-night premiere on AXS TV at 8pm ET/5pm PT on Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3, 2018. For the first time, five judges joining THE X FACTOR UK. Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams, and Ayda Williams work the panel during auditions. However, once during live shows, Robbie Williams will depart for tour and Sharon Osbourne will be filling his shoes.
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On Monday, December 3, 2018 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, AXS TV aired the U.S. premiere of THE FACTOR UK's Season 15 finale, as one of Dalton Harris, Scarlett Lee, or Anthony Russell is crowned the winner. Anthony sings "I Predict a Riot" with Kaiser Chiefs, Dalton sings "The Power of Love" with James Arthur, and Scarlett Lee sings "One More Sleep" with Leona Lewis. Guest stars include Ellie Goulding, Nile Rodgers, Take That with Robbie Williams, and more.