X Factor 2009
The X Factor is back!
Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward, Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson, Alexandra Burke...
Who will it be this year?
This year the age limit will continue to be lowered to 14 and finalists will be split into four categories.
The categories are: 14-24 Boys, 14-24 Girls, Over 25's & Groups.
A new format for the X Factor is also in motion this year. All auditions were filmed in front of a live audience, so keep an eye out for those!
Keep up to date with the contestents and judges in our X Factor special or take part in our weekly polls!
The Judges
From left to right: Louis Walsh, Danni Minogue, Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell
 Simon Cowell
Previous mentoring categories:
2004: The Over 25's
2005: The Groups
2006: The 16-24's
2007: Groups
2008: Boys aged 14-24
2009 Category: The Over 25's
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Track record:
Steve Brookstein, mentored by Simon, won The X-Factor in 2004. Steve went on to have a number one single with 'Against all odds', however he was later dropped by his record label BMG.
Simon was a winner in the 2006 show, as Leona Lewis was declared the winner. She has since released two albums and has had number one success. She is now trying to break America, with the help of Simon Cowell. In 2007, Same Difference finished third in the competition, as they lost out to Rhydian and Leon.
In 2008, Eoghan Quigg finished in third place as he lost out to JLS and Alexandra Burke. |
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Danyl |
Jamie |
Olly |
Out: Semi Final Week |
Out: Week Six |
Out: Final Week |
Cheryl Cole |
Cheryl Cole
Previous mentoring categories:
2008: Girls aged 14-24
2009 Category: Boys aged 14-24 |
Track record:
This is Cheryl's second year as judge for the show following Sharon Osbourne's exit after a reported feud with fellow judge, Dannii Minogue.
She rose to fame on a reality TV show, Popstars the Rivals, which launched the girl band Girls Aloud into the pop scene. She has since had numerous number one singles and top ten hits with the band, which makes her perfect for becoming a judge on the show.
In 2008, Alexandra Burke won the competition with Cheryl's help.
In 2009, Cheryl won with Joe McElderey. |
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Joseph |
Lloyd |
Rikki |
Out: Joe beat Olly to be crowned the winner of X Factor |
Out: Week Eight |
Out: Week Two |
Danni Minogue |
Danni Minogue
Previous mentoring categories:
2007: 14-24 Boys
2008: Over 25's
2009 Category: Girls 14-24 |
Track record:
Danni had great success in the 2007 show. Both her contestant's, Leon and Rhydian reached the final, with Leon taking the crown.
In 2008 her acts didn't do so well. She is hoping to rectify that this year.
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Lucie |
Rachel |
Stacey |
Out: Week Five |
Out: Week Four |
Out: Final Week |
Louis Walsh |
Louis Walsh
Previous mentoring categories:
2004: The Groups
2005: The 16-24's
2006: The Groups 2007: Over 25's
2008: The Groups
2009 Category: The Groups |
Track record:
Shayne Ward , mentored by Louis, won The X-Factor in 2005.
Shayne has had a number one single with 'That's my goal' as well as a successful debut album.
In 2007, Louis had resonable success in the competition with Niki and Beverley, but neither of them got Louis the crown.
In 2008, Louis claimed the runner-up spot with boyband JLS. They have since had a number one with 'Beat Again'. |
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John & Edward |
Kandy Rain |
Miss Frank
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Out: Week Seven |
Out: Week One |
Out: Week Three |
The Presenters
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Name: Dermot O'Leary
Show: The X Factor
Facts: Dermot is best known for his presenting role on Big Brother's Little Brother. This is the third year that he has presented the show after taking over Kate Thornton.
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Name: Holly Willoughby
Show: The Extra Factor
Facts: This is Holly's second year on the show. She has worked as a presenter on Dancing on Ice, Holly & Fearne Go Dating and Lip Service. |