X Factor

X Factor is a Dutch television music talent show featuring aspiring pop singers who compete through public auditions. The show airs on Fridays on the RTL4 Network in the Netherlands. The first series of the show ran from October 2006 to February 2007, and the second series aired from January to May 2009. It is produced by Blue Circle and currently sponsored by Fiat. The title "X Factor" refers to the indefinable quality that contributes to a performer's star potential. X Factor succeeded the highly successful Idols, which was placed on indefinite hiatus after its third and fourth series. During the initial televised audition phase, contestants perform in front of the X Factor judges with the aim of advancing to the "boot camp" stage. After further selection, the judges mentor contestants in specific categories, and the chosen finalists move to the second phase, where the public votes 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 ended in February 2007, and it was less popular than Idols. It was won by Sharon Kips. The second series, from January to May 2009, was more successful and won by Lisa Hordijk. The third series was won by Jaap van Reesema. Rochelle Perts won the fourth series, and the fifth series was won by Haris Alagic.