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X Factor 2026 to Launch With Irama Joining Judges' Table

Free-to-air windows plus a full selection schedule aim to broaden the show's audience as judges press for musical craft ahead of Milan live shows.

Overview

  • Sky and Fremantle confirmed the 20th edition will begin on Thursday, September 10 with six selection episodes, two Bootcamp evenings and Last Call rounds that will produce 12 live-show contestants.
  • Irama debuts as a judge replacing Achille Lauro on a panel that also includes Francesco Gabbani, Jake La Furia and Paola Iezzi, while Giorgia returns as host for a third consecutive year.
  • Producers set the live shows to start on October 22 at Teatro Repower in Milan and announced a grand finale on December 3 at the Unipol Forum in Assago, marking a return to Milan after recent finals in Naples.
  • Broadcasters said all episodes will air on Sky and stream on Now with first-week free-to-air windows on TV8 from September 15 and Cielo from September 16, and on-demand viewing available on Sky/Now.
  • Judges framed the season as a search for musical substance as well as visibility, and bookmakers published early odds on which judge will win, listing Irama and others in close contention.