The
wait is over! The first local version of
global television phenomenon The X Factor
is coming to TV3 in 2013.
Put on the global
map by music mogul Simon Cowell, The X
Factor is the world’s largest music show and pits contestants against each
other in the search for a person or group to sign a recording contract with Sony
Music Entertainment New Zealand.
Now, New Zealanders will have the chance to put their singing talent to
the test.From Invercargill to
Kaitaia, The X Factor NZ will travel the length and
breadth of the country, with one goal - to discover the next great New Zealand
recording artist.
Co-executive producer Andrew Szusterman says TV3 is thrilled to be bringing The X Factor format to New Zealand.
“For the viewers, this is the biggest television
event New Zealand
has seen, for contestants, it’s a competition that changes lives and launches
careers,” he says.
From the busker plying their trade on a street
corner, to the muso playing a weekly gig at their local tavern, and the kid
singing into their hairbrush, The X Factor NZ will showcase the brightest
upcoming singing talent from all over the country, as well as some who may be best
advised to save their performances for private.
“The X Factor NZ combines the best talent
show format with an intensely local flavour.Combine that with the expertise of record company partner Sony Music,
plus the MediaWorks’ stable of radio stations, and we’re confident that we can
bring the biggest music entertainment programme to New Zealand screens.”
The winner of The X Factor NZ will be signed to Sony
Music Entertainment New Zealand.Managing Director Kim Boshier says TheX Factor is recognized throughout the
music industry as a legitimate and respected way to find talent.
“In the last three
or four years some of the greatest recording artists on our roster have come
from the X Factor format and we’re excited
to finally have the format in New Zealand,” she says.
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, and discovering
international recording stars including Leona Lewis, Reece Mastin and One
Direction.
The X Factor NZ is open to singers of aged
14 and up – 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.
Kiwi audiences have
embraced The X Factor format with American
and Australian versions among TV3’s highest rating international
programmes.The second season of The X
Factor USA(starring creator Simon Cowell) premiered last
night on TV3, hot off the satellite and screening in New Zealand within hours of its
Stateside broadcast.
The X Factor is a FremantleMedia owned format and
will be co-produced by MediaWorks and FremantleMedia Australia.NZ on Air will be a minority funder in the
programme.
Register above to be the first to
receive information on The X Factor NZ
(including how to enter) or join the conversation at facebook.com/xfactornz.