The X Factor South Africa is a South African music reality competition television series created by Simon Cowell as part of the British The X Factor franchise and produced locally by Rapid Blue, in which the judges double as mentors and coaches to the finalists, who are divided into four groups: boys, girls, over-30s and groups.
u "X" ongasolveki? Do you have it? Do you have that indefinable quality... the one you can't describe, but can feel? Do you want a life-changing opportunity where you could win R300,000 and a Sony Music recording contract?
Since its debut in 2004, The X Factor has remained the U.K.'s #1 program, peaking with an audience of 21-million for its 2010 finale. The format swiftly broke similar records around the world, where local versions have consistently rated #1.
The series has received numerous honours worldwide, and more than 100-million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.
The X Factor gives viewers the opportunity to help discover the next superstar or breakout music group. The superstar team of judges travel the nation searching for talent 16-years-old or over - both solo artists and vocal groups - who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true.
In a departure from other singing competition series, contestants not only audition in front of The X Factor judges but, and perhaps more importantly, they sing for an audience of thousands, which is often referred to as the 'fifth judge' because their enthusiasm - or lack thereof - can help determine the fate of these hopefuls.
This initial audition is the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence it takes to become a superstar or breakout music act and win a recording contract with Sony Music and R300,000.
Those contestants who survive the first auditions graduate to Boot Camp and are divided into four categories - Boys, Girls, Over 30s and Groups. Each category is mentored by one of the show's judges.
Not only is it a competition between the hopefuls to stake their claim for the coveted win, but it's also a showdown among the judges as to whose acts will dominate the competition and make it to the finals.
The judges may have their say in how the competition progresses, but it will be up to Mzansi to decide who ultimately has The X Factor.
Auditions are open to anyone who is over 18 and who is either singing solo or as part of a group. No bands are allowed and groups must have two or more singers. This is where The X Factor differs from other reality shows: each judge is assigned a category to mentor and then they are effectively competing against each other to see who can champion a star with the X factor.
The X Factor South Africa will be broadcast over 15 weeks – with seven pre-recorded shows covering all the drama of the auditions, boot camp and home visits and eight live gala shows from Durban.
The X Factor South Africa is brought to you by SABC1 in association with the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and produced by Rapid Blue who successfully produced the format in West Africa.
Format
Stage 1: The Auditions
It's tough enough to sing in public, but when you step in front of the judges the pressure is through the roof. Now add in a live audience of thousands and you've got an audition for The X Factor.
A hundred thousand will try, few will advance. If a majority of the judges (and the audience) think you might have what it takes, you make it through to the next round.
Stage 2: Bootcamp
If you make it through auditions, it's straight to boot camp; a performance pressure cooker that will put your nerves to the test.
You'll be sorted into categories – guys, girls, older singers or vocal groups – and you'll have to prove yourself by singing, dancing and performing under greater scrutiny than ever before.
Make it through boot camp and you're on your way to the big time.
Stage 3: Judges' Houses
After the boot camp selection, each constant category – guys, girls, older singers or vocal groups – is assigned to a particular judge.
The contestants then travel to their respective judge's house where each judge selects the best acts, with the biggest chance of winning, to take to the live show.
Stage 4: The Live Show
When the show goes live, only the best are left. Drawing from their experience, the judges coach the acts in their individual categories on what to sing, what to wear and how to "own" the stage.
The judges then critique the live acts every week, but ultimately it's the audience who decides who has the "X Factor" and wins the prize.
Winners
Season 1
Winner: Four (Jethro Tait, David Evan Januari and Steven Lee Lewis) | Mentor: Oskido