X Factor is a Dutch television music talent show contested by aspiring pop singers drawn from public auditions. It is shown Friday evenings on the RTL4 Network in the Netherlands. The first series of the show aired from October 2006 through to February 2007, while the second series of the show aired from January through to May 2009. The show is produced by Blue Circle and is currently sponsored by Fiat. The "X Factor" of the title refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality.
X Factor replaced the highly successful Idols, which was put on indefinite hiatus after its third and fourth series.
In the initial televised audition phase of the show, contestants sing in front of the X Factor judges in the hope of getting through to the "boot camp". After a further selection process, the judges are each given a category to mentor and the chosen finalists then progress to the second phase of the competition in which the public vote on live performances. The current judges are: Pop Singer and Television host Gordon Heuckeroth, former Dolly Dots member Angela Groothuizen, Rapper Ali Bouali and Alto Saxophonist Candy Dulfer.
The first series of X Factor began in October 2006 and ran to February 2007. It was not as popular as Idols. It was won by Sharon Kips. The second series, running from January to May 2009, was more successful. It was won by Lisa Hordijk. The third series was won by Jaap van Reesema. Rochelle Perts won the fourth series. The fifth series was won by Haris Alagic.
