The X Factor is returning to U.S. television in a new agreement announced Wednesday.
Following the cancellation of "The X Factor USA" last year, Fremantle and Syco have teamed up with AXS TV to broadcast the upcoming 11th season of the original UK hit series, which will feature Simon Cowell as a judge.
Season 11 will feature a pair of famous faces that will be instantly recognizable to American audiences, as Cowell makes his much anticipated return to the panel for the first time in three years. Additionally, former Spice Girl and America’s Got Talent fan-favorite Mel B will make her first appearance as a full-time judge, after previously serving as a guest on the series. Joining the duo is UK pop singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini who is also returning for the first time in three years, and esteemed music manager Louis Walsh, making his eleventh consecutive appearance since 2004. Award-winning broadcaster and host, Dermot O’Leary, will host the festivities, while also providing support to the aspiring stars.
The X Factor UK contestants compete in two sets of audition rounds, taking place across the UK in Manchester, London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. In the initial closed room auditions, contestants will find themselves face-to-face with the judges for the first time. If they impress the panel and receive three or more “yes” votes, they will move on to perform in a packed arena in front of a live audience.
AXS TV will air all 34 episodes of the series, beginning with the opening audition shows, in addition to special boot camp installments and live broadcasts.
The X Factor UK airs on AXS TV Sundays and Mondays starting August 31 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, 24 hours after the respective UK broadcasts. Each program will re-air the same night after the first broadcast.
THE X FACTOR Weekly Broadcast Schedule on AXS TV
Sundays
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Episode 1 – US Premiere – August 31/same night re-air
Mondays
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Episode 2 – US Premiere – September 1/same night re-air
