Mumbai: The most talked about TV show, The X Factor UK, is back on Vh1, yet again! This time, it’s back with some of the show’s most loved judges. The latest season of The X Factor will air in India on the 30th of August with a special two-episode premiere, following which, all-new episodes of the 13th season will be aired every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on Vh1.
This year, The X Factor will be graced by the presence of Rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger and chart maestro Louis Walsh, who will all sit alongside The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell on the panel. This season, they will all join returning host, Dermot O’Leary, to kick off the new series. In addition, one of the fans’ favourite aspects of the show has been revived, the legendary “room auditions”.
Commenting upon the return of the show on Indian television screens, Sabrina D’Souza, Head of Marketing – English Entertainment, Viacom 18, shared, “The X Factor UK has always been a favourite amongst the Indian audience. With its cutting edge format and being the talent hub that it is, it has been a source of entertainment as well as an aspirational platform for our viewers. We are thrilled to air the latest season of this highly-anticipated show.”
Renowned for her straight-talking, Sharon Osbourne was one of the original X Factor judges, appearing on the panel from 2004 to 2007 and then again in 2013. Of course, Sharon also has more than 30 years experience in the music industry, managing some of the biggest bands in rock.
Speaking of her return, Sharon said: “I’m overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric.”
Nicole Scherzinger was a hugely popular judge on The X Factor in 2012 and 2013, securing victory in her first series with James Arthur and proving a huge hit with viewers for her enthusiastic and passionate approach. As a singer, Nicole has achieved global success, selling millions of records both as one of The Pussycat Dolls and then as a solo artist.
Nicole said: “I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best judges sitting alongside me on the panel. I’m excited about discovering, mentoring and winning with an exciting new act this year. And having had winning contestants in the past, Simon knows I will do it.”
Music manager and X Factor legend Louis Walsh reprises his role on the panel, returning for a record-breaking 12th series as a UK X Factor judge.
Talking about his comeback, Louis said: “He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I’m delighted to be back on the panel especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole, and I’m looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions.”
Talking about the new series, Simon warned: ‘Be careful what you wish for!’
Artists discovered by The X Factor have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 200 No. 1s, making it the most successful show in history for finding chart superstars. This includes One Direction, who have sold 70 million records worldwide; Olly Murs who has achieved success with four multi-platinum albums and total sales of more than 16 million and Little Mix who have sold 15 million records globally.