The X Factor (British TV series) series 13 explained

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The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The thirteenth series began airing on ITV on Saturday 27 August 2016 and ended on Sunday 11 December 2016.[1] Dermot O'Leary returned to present the main show on ITV for the ninth time to replace Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who left after series 12. Simon Cowell was the only judge from the 12th series to return; Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh all returned, replacing Rita Ora, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw. Matt Edmondson and Rylan Clark-Neal replaced Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom as hosts of The Xtra Factor, which was rebranded as The Xtra Factor Live and was broadcast live twice every week, with Roman Kemp making appearances as a digital presenter and social media reporter. Matt Terry was announced the winner on 11 December 2016, making Scherzinger the winning mentor for the second time. Saara Aalto finished second.

Judges and Presenters

On 18 February 2016, series 12 judge Nick Grimshaw announced that he would not come back for another series on the judging panel.[2] On 5 April 2016, it was confirmed that Cheryl would not return as a judge.[3] Rita Ora confirmed she was leaving the judging panel on 10 May 2016.[4] On the same day, it was reported that former judges Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh may return to join Simon Cowell on the judging panel to collectively replace Ora, Cheryl and Grimshaw.[5] Walsh confirmed he had signed a contract on 15 May 2016.[6] The judging line-up was officially confirmed as Cowell, Walsh, Osbourne and Scherzinger on 1 June 2016.[7]

On 22 February 2016, during an interview with The Sun, Olly Murs, who had co-hosted the previous series with Caroline Flack, confirmed his decision to quit the series to focus on his music. In a statement, Murs stated, "This was an incredibly hard decision to make and one I didn't take lightly as I've really enjoyed co-hosting The X Factor."[8] Following Murs' decision to exit the series, Flack confirmed she would exit as well, stating, "I have had a brilliant time working on The X Factor over the last few years, and hosting the main show was just fantastic – I made some amazing friends."[9] On 29 March 2016, it was confirmed that Dermot O'Leary would return to present The X Factor on ITV for the ninth time, after having quit the previous year, and said he was "very flattered to be asked back". For series 12, O'Leary was replaced by Murs and Flack, but the viewing numbers fell and O'Leary was asked back. Richard Holloway, boss of Thames, said he was "a much-loved part of The X Factor and one of the best presenters in the business", while Kevin Lygo, ITV's Director of TV, said he was "an important part of the ITV family".[10] [11] On 27 June 2016, it was confirmed that Matt Edmondson will be the new host of The Xtra Factor replacing Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom.[12] On 1 July 2016, it was confirmed that Rylan Clark-Neal will co-host alongside Edmondson,[13] and that Capital FM DJ Roman Kemp would be a digital presenter and social media reporter.[14] Mel B joined the panel for one day of London auditions in lieu of Scherzinger.[15] Osbourne was absent in the Edinburgh auditions and was not replaced by a guest judge.

Selection process

Auditions

The minimum age to audition this year was 16. Contestants needed three or more 'yeses' from the four judges to progress to Bootcamp.[16]

Mobile auditions

In addition to the producers' auditions, the "Mobile Audition Tour" took place throughout the UK and Ireland. Auditions ran between 7 March and 30 April 2016, and visited Skegness, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Peterborough, Telford, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Sunderland, Nottingham, Middlesbrough, Leicester, Coventry, Ipswich, Scarborough, Chelmsford, Northampton, Southend-on-Sea, Hull, Milton Keynes, Essex, York, Isle of Man, Swindon, Portsmouth, Bognor Regis, Bristol, Blackpool, Preston, Weston-Super-Mare, Brighton, Newquay, Wigan, Truro, Hastings, Exeter, Margate, Yeovil and Maidstone.[17]

Open auditions

Producers auditions commenced on 7 April in Glasgow and ended on 14 May in Liverpool.[18]

Audition cityOpen audition dateOpen audition venue
Glasgow7 April 2016Hampden Park
Birmingham9–10 April 2016St Andrew's
Cardiff17 April 2016Holland House
Dublin24 April 2016RDS Arena
Newcastle upon Tyne27 April 2016St James' Park
London1 May 2016ExCeL London
Manchester7 May 2016EventCity
Liverpool14 May 2016ACC Liverpool

Judges' auditions

Originally, the format for auditions was announced to return to that of series 10 and 11, with both room auditions and consequent arena auditions before bootcamp.[19] However, the arena auditions were scrapped at the end of June, towards the end of the filming of the room auditions.[20] The auditions started on 10 June in Leicester[21] and continued in Manchester on 13 June.[22] The next auditions took place on 17 June in London where Mel B was a guest judge in place of Scherzinger, while Scherzinger had other commitments.[23] Contestant Philip Hadlow did not progress to Bootcamp, but judged one audition in Walsh's place. Subsequent auditions were held in London on 19 June, with Scherzinger returning,[24] before moving to Edinburgh on 23 June[25] and Dublin on 1 July.[26] Selected auditions were broadcast over seven episodes, between 27 August and 17 September 2016.

Notable auditionees this series included Rebekah Ryan, who had UK chart success in the 1990s as an independent artist and previously auditioned in series 4, reaching bootcamp, Saara Aalto, who was the runner-up on series 1 of The Voice of Finland,[27] and actor Will Rush.[28]

Summary of judges' auditions
CityDate(s)VenueChanges to judging line-up
Leicester10 June 2016King Power Stadiumrowspan="2"
Manchester13–14 June 2016Old Trafford Cricket Ground
London17 June 2016ExCeL LondonMel B (in lieu of Nicole Scherzinger)
18–19 June 2016
Edinburgh23 June 2016Assembly RoomsSharon Osbourne absent
Dublin1 July 2016Croke Parkrowspan="2"
London6 July 2016Alexandra Palace

Bootcamp

Bootcamp took place at Alexandra Palace from 6 to 8 July 2016.[29] [30] It was broadcast in a single episode on 18 September 2016. The contestants all chose a song from a wall with sheets of paper attached. Each song appeared three times and the three acts who picked the same song would perform that song as a group. Immediately after each performance, the judges would either put the acts through or eliminate them immediately. 121 acts were successful in this part, and the judges then deliberated to cut the number of contestants down further, to decide who would reach the six-chair challenge.[31] At the end of Bootcamp, the judges discovered which categories they would mentor: Cowell was given the Girls, Scherzinger was given the Boys, Osbourne was given the Over 25s and Walsh was given the Groups.[32]

Six-chair challenge

The six-chair challenge took place from 9 to 12 July, at The SSE Arena, Wembley.[33] It was broadcast over two episodes on 24 and 25 September.[34] [35] [36] [37] Scherzinger and Cowell chose their final six acts during Saturday's show, while Osbourne and Walsh picked their acts during Sunday's show.[38] [39] [40] [41]

Judges' houses

Filming for judges' houses took place in late August and early/mid September. The locations and guest judges were officially confirmed on 21 September 2016. Walsh was assisted in Ibiza by Fleur East and Alesha Dixon, Cowell went to Malibu with Mel B and Emma Bunton, Osbourne went to her Los Angeles home where she was joined by Robbie Williams, and Scherzinger went to Nice with Calvin Harris.[42] Ivy Grace Paredes, who was originally selected as one of Osbourne's over-25s at the six-chair challenge, withdrew from the competition because her visa would not be issued in time,[43] and she was replaced by Honey G.[44] Four more acts were chosen as wildcards to go to judges' houses. Walsh chose Samantha Lavery for Cowell, Cowell chose Ryan Lawrie for Scherzinger, Scherzinger chose Saara Aalto for Osbourne and Osbourne chose Yes Lad for Walsh.[45]

The judges houses episodes were broadcast on 1 and 2 October 2016.

Judges Houses Performances:

Boys:

Girls:

Groups:

Over 25s

Summary of judges' houses! Judge! Category! Location! Assistants! Acts Eliminated
Simon CowellGirlsMalibuMel B and Emma BuntonSoheila Clifford, Olivia Garcia, Kayleigh Marie Morgan, Caitlyn Vanbeck
Sharon OsbourneOver 25sLos AngelesRobbie WilliamsSamantha Atkinson, Janet Grogan, Christopher Peyton, James Wilson
Nicole ScherzingerBoysSouthern FranceCalvin HarrisChristian Burrows, James Hughes, Niall Sexton, Nate Simpson
Louis WalshGroupsIbizaFleur East and Alesha DixonSkarl3t, Tom and Laura, Yes Lad

Acts

Key:

– Winner

– Runner-Up

– Withdrew

ActAge(s)HometownCategory (mentor)Result
Matt Terry23KentBoys (Scherzinger)Winner
Saara Aalto29Oulunsalo, FinlandOver 25s (Osbourne)Runner-Up
5 After Midnight20–23East LondonGroups (Walsh)3rd Place
Emily Middlemas18GlasgowGirls (Cowell)4th Place
Honey G35HarrowOver 25s (Osbourne)5th Place
Ryan Lawrie20CoatbridgeBoys (Scherzinger)6th Place
Sam Lavery17County DurhamGirls (Cowell)7th Place
Four of Diamonds17–22SouthamptonGroups (Walsh)8th Place
Gifty Louise20Ghana / LondonGirls (Cowell)9th Place
Relley C27BirminghamOver 25s (Osbourne)10th Place
Freddy Parker18AshfordBoys (Scherzinger)11th Place
Brooks Way17CardiffGroups (Walsh)12th Place
Bratavio23 & 25Leamington Spa & SouthamptonGroups (Walsh)13th Place

Live shows

The live shows began on 8 October 2016, with the performance shows taking place on Saturday night and the results show airing on Sunday night. On 1 October, it was revealed that all the groups would undergo name changes. The new names were revealed as Bratavio (Bradley & Ottavio), Brooks Way (The Brooks) and 5 After Midnight (5AM).[46] The live shows were all filmed at Fountain Studios in London, apart from the live final and final results show, which were filmed at Wembley Arena. This was the last series to be filmed at Fountain Studios, and the semi-final results show and the following episode of The Xtra Factor were the last programmes to be recorded in the studios before its demolition.[47] [48]

New for this series, the first five results shows revealed the acts in the bottom three of the votes, and there was then a second round of 'flash votes' which lasted approximately four minutes, with voting only available via the official The X Factor mobile app. The act who topped this vote avoided the sing-off.[49] Also new, the theme for each week, excluding week 1, is randomly selected via a "jukebox wheel" at the end of the previous week's show, which is spun by O'Leary (apart from week 6, when it was spun by Ant & Dec, during a live link-up from Australia). Themes include "Disco", "Movies", "Fright Night", "80s", "Divas", "Motown", "Girlband vs Boyband" and "Louis loves"—named after Louis Walsh.[50] During the sixth live show, it was revealed that viewers would have a chance to suggest a theme for the jukebox.[51] During the seventh live results show, the new theme was revealed as "Christmas".[52]

On 10 October 2016, Brooks Way confirmed that they would not be taking part in the show after being absent from the first live show. In a statement released by the official website to confirm their exit, Josh Brooks said, "Due to events in my personal life I've decided that it's best not to be on the show at this time. While not everything that has been claimed is true I would like to apologise to everyone involved." A spokesperson for the show added, "Following the allegations relating to Josh Brooks, we have decided by mutual consent that Brooks Way should leave the competition."[53] The same day, it was confirmed that Four of Diamonds, who previously made Judges' Houses, would be replacing Brooks Way. Speaking of their second chance in the competition, the girls said that they "are so excited to be back" and "looking forward to performing live, working hard and showing everyone what they are made of". Speaking about why he brought the girl group back, groups mentor Walsh stated that he was "impressed with the girls" but only had "three spots in the live shows". At the time of the episode airing, many viewers were disappointed that they were not chosen and he stated that he'd "listened to the fans" and was "delighted to be bringing the girls back."[54]

Musical guests

Each results show features guest performances, with some guests performing during the main performance show. Performers included 2012 The X Factor winner James Arthur on the first results show,[55] the cast of on the second live show, OneRepublic and 2011 winners Little Mix on the second results show, Busted, Shawn Mendes and John Legend on the third live results show,[56] 2015 winner Louisa Johnson and Bruno Mars on the fourth live results show, Emeli Sandé and Robbie Williams on the fifth live results show, Sister Sledge on the sixth live show, 2009 runner up Olly Murs and Nathan Sykes on the sixth live results show, the cast of School of Rock, Craig David and Alicia Keys on the seventh live results show, and Busted Clean Bandit featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie on the eighth live results show, Zara Larsson[57] and Lady Gaga[58] on the semi-final live results show, The Weeknd, Louis Tomlinson featuring Steve Aoki and Honey G in the first final performances show, and Kylie Minogue, Madness and Little Mix featuring Charlie Puth in the final results show.

Results summary

Colour key;

Act in Boys

Act in Girls

Act in Over 25s

Act in Groups

 –Act was in the bottom two/three and had to perform again in the sing-off
 –Act was in the bottom three but was saved by voters in the lifeline vote and did not have to perform in the sing-off
 –Act received the fewest public votes and was immediately eliminated (no survival)
 –Act received the most public votes
 –Act was ejected from performing but remained in the competition
Weekly results per act[59]
ActWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Quarter-finalSemi-finalFinal
Saturday VoteSunday Vote
Matt Terry1st
22.2%
1st
19.5%
1st
17.8%
2nd
18.7%
1st
16.7%
3rd
16.7%
1st
21.1%
3rd
21.2%
3rd
22.5%
2nd
33.4%
Winner
48.5%
Saara Aalto9th
5.3%
9th
6.4%
2nd
13.7%
3rd
11.3%
6th
9.4%
2nd
18.4%
2nd
20.1%
1st
23.7%
1st
28.8%
1st
35.3%

40.4%
5 After Midnight2nd
13.3%
2nd
15.6%
4th
11.5%
4th
10.6%
2nd
15.5%
1st
19.0%
3rd
17.5%
4th
20.3%
2nd
26.6%
3rd
31.3%
Eliminated
(final)
Emily Middlemas3rd
11.9%
3rd
11.0%
3rd
11.9%
1st
18.7%
3rd
15.3%
4th
13.4%
4th
16.8%
2nd
22.6%
4th
22.1%
Eliminated
(semi-final)
Honey G4th
10.9%
4th
9.3%
5th
9.4%
6th
9.2%
5th
11.6%
5th
11.7%
6th
11.2%
5th
12.2%
Eliminated
(quarter-final)
Ryan Lawrie8th
6.2%
10th
4.6%
8th
7.4%
7th
8.7%
4th
14.1%
6th
11.1%
5th
13.3%
Eliminated
(week 7)
Sam Lavery5th
9.8%
5th
8.8%
6th
8.1%
5th
10.1%
8th
8.5%
7th
9.7%
Eliminated
(week 6)
Four of DiamondsEliminated
6th
7.3%
10th
6.1%
9th
6.1%
7th
8.9%
Eliminated
(week 5)
Gifty Louise7th
6.6%
8th
6.4%
7th
7.9%
8th
6.6%
Eliminated
(week 4)
Relley C6th
7.8%
7th
6.6%
9th
6.2%
Eliminated
(week 3)
Freddy Parker 10th
3.4%
11th
4.5%
Eliminated
(week 2)
Brooks WayEjectedWithdrew
(week 2)
Bratavio11th
2.6%
Eliminated
(week 1)
Lifeline Vote1stParker
52.0%
Lawrie
37.9%
Lawrie
37.9%
Lawrie
41.2%
Lavery
46.1%
No Lifeline Vote
2ndAalto
38.5%
Aalto
32.0%
Relley C
36.0%
Louise
35.0%
Four of Diamonds
27.3%
3rdBratavio
9.5%
Parker
30.0%
Four of Diamonds
26.1%
Four of Diamonds
23.8%
Aalto
26.6%
Final Showdown Aalto,
Bratavio
Aalto,
Parker
Four of Diamonds,
Relley C
Four of Diamonds,
Louise
Aalto,
Four of Diamonds
Lavery,
Lawrie
Honey G,
Lawrie
5 After Midnight,
Honey G
Middlemas,
Terry
No sing-off or judges' votes: results were based on public votes alone
Judges voted toEliminateSend Through
Walsh's vote (Groups)Aalto Parker Relley C Louise Aalto Lawrie Lawrie Honey GTerry
Osbourne's vote (Over 25s)Bratavio Parker Four of Diamonds Louise Four of Diamonds Lavery Lawrie 5 After MidnightTerry
Scherzinger's vote (Boys)Bratavio Aalto Relley C Louise Four of Diamonds Lavery Honey G Honey GTerry
Cowell's vote (Girls)Bratavio Aalto Relley C Four of DiamondsFour of Diamonds Lawrie Lawrie Honey GMiddlemas
EliminatedBratavio
3 of 4 votes
Majority
Freddy Parker
2 of 4 votes
Deadlock
Relley C
3 of 4 votes
Majority
Gifty Louise
3 of 4 votes
Majority
Four of Diamonds
3 of 4 votes
Majority
Sam Lavery
2 of 4 votes
Deadlock
Ryan Lawrie
3 of 4 votes
Majority
Honey G
3 of 4 votes
Majority
Emily Middlemas
1 of 4 votes
Minority
5 After Midnight
31.3%
to save
Saara Aalto
40.4%
to win
Reference(s)[60]

Live show details

Week 1 (8/9 October)

It was announced at the beginning of Saturday's live show that Brooks Way would not be performing. A spokesperson for the show said: "Due to circumstances that have arisen, Brooks Way will not be appearing on tonight's show."[63]

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSong[64] Result
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)1"Can't Stop the Feeling!"Safe
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)2"Impossible"
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)3"Let It Go"Bottom Three
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)4"Perfect"Safe
Gifty LouiseGirls (Cowell)5"That's My Girl"
Relley COver 25s (Osbourne)6"Shackles (Praise You)"
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)7"You Don't Own Me"Safe (Highest Votes)
Freddy ParkerBoys (Scherzinger)8"Killing Me Softly"Bottom Three; Saved By Lifeline Vote
BratavioGroups (Walsh)9"Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!"/"Barbie Girl"Bottom Three
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)10"Closer"Safe
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)11"California Love"
Brooks WayGroups (Walsh)Did Not PerformN/AWithdrew On 10 October 2016
Sing-off details
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)1"Alive"Saved
BratavioGroups (Walsh)2"The Only Way Is Up"Eliminated

Brooks Way were suspended from performing on only the first week. They withdrew the day after the first result show. They were due to perform "Cake by the Ocean". Brooks Way were then later replaced by Four of Diamonds.

Judges' votes to eliminate[65]

Week 2 (15/16 October)

On 10 October 2016, Brooks Way confirmed that they would no longer be taking part in the show after being absent from the first live show.[53] It was later confirmed that Four of Diamonds, who were eliminated at Judges' Houses, would replace them.[54]

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSongMotown ArtistResult
Freddy ParkerBoys (Scherzinger)1"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"Marvin Gaye & Tammi TerrellBottom Three
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)2"Stop! In the Name of Love"Safe
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)3"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"Marvin GayeSafe (Highest Votes)
Relley COver 25s (Osbourne)4"Ain't No Sunshine"Bill WithersSafe
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)5"Hello"Lionel Richie
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)6"Get Ready"/"Reach Out I'll Be There"The Temptations
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)7"Superstition"Stevie WonderBottom Three; Saved By Lifeline Vote
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)8"Mo Money Mo Problems"Safe
Gifty LouiseGirls (Cowell)9"Rockin' Robin"Jackson 5
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)10"River Deep – Mountain High"Tina TurnerBottom Three
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)11"You Keep Me Hangin' On"The SupremesSafe
Sing-off details
Freddy ParkerBoys (Scherzinger)1"Stay"Eliminated
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)2"Run"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate[67]

With the acts in the sing-off receiving two votes each, the result went to deadlock and reverted to the earlier public vote. Freddy Parker was eliminated as the act with the fewest public votes.[67]

Week 3 (22/23 October)

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSongDivaResult
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)1"Rolling in the Deep"AdeleBottom Three; Saved By Lifeline Vote
Gifty LouiseGirls (Cowell)2"Lay Me Down"Sam SmithSafe
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)3"Valerie"Amy Winehouse
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)4"Earth Song"Michael Jackson
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)5"I'll Be There"The Jackson 5Safe (Highest Votes)
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)6"Ice Ice Baby"/"Under Pressure"Queen/David Bowie/Vanilla IceSafe
Relley COver 25s (Osbourne)7"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"Aretha FranklinBottom Three
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)8"How Will I Know"Whitney HoustonSafe
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)9"Lady Marmalade"/"Bang Bang"Labelle/Jessie J/Ariana Grande/Nicki MinajBottom Three
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)10"It's Oh So Quiet"BjörkSafe
Sing-off
Relley COver 25s (Osbourne)1"I Can't Make You Love Me"Eliminated
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)2"Who Are You"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate[72]

However, voting statistics revealed that Relley C received more votes than Four of Diamonds which meant that if Cowell sent the result to deadlock, Relley C would have been saved.

Week 4 (29/30 October)

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)Order[73] SongResult
Gifty LouiseGirls (Cowell)1"I'm in Love with a Monster"Bottom Three
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)2"I Put a Spell on You"Safe
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)3"Thriller"
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)4"Men in Black"
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)5"Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"Bottom Three; Saved By Lifeline Vote
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)6"Total Eclipse of the Heart"Safe
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)7"Bad Romance"
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)8"Ghost"Bottom Three
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)9"Creep"Safe (Highest Votes)
Sing-off
Gifty LouiseGirls (Cowell)1"A Song for You"Eliminated
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)2"The Voice Within"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate[74]

However, voting statistics revealed that Louise received more votes than Four of Diamonds which meant that if Osbourne sent the result to deadlock, Louise would have been saved.

Week 5 (5/6 November)

During the fifth live results show, O'Leary confirmed that the final 8 would be part of The X Factor UK Live Tour 2017.[77]

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSongBandResult
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)1"I'm Your Man"Wham!Safe (Highest Votes)
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)2"I'll Stand by You"The PretendersBottom Three, Saved By Lifeline Vote
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)3"Jump"Kris KrossSafe
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)4"Twist and Shout"The Beatles
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)5"Hold On"Wilson PhillipsBottom Three
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)6"Sound of the Underground"Girls Aloud
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)7"What Makes You Beautiful"One DirectionSafe
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)8"Say You'll Be There"Spice Girls
Sing-off
Four of DiamondsGroups (Walsh)1"When You Believe"Eliminated
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)2"Who You Are"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate[78]

However, voting statistics revealed that Aalto and Four of Diamonds received more votes than Lavery which meant that if Aalto won the lifeline vote, Lavery would have faced Four of Diamonds in the final showdown and in that scenario, if the result went to deadlock, Lavery would have been eliminated. In addition, if Four of Diamonds won the lifeline vote, Lavery would have faced Aalto in the final showdown and in that scenario, if the result went to deadlock, Lavery would have been eliminated.

Week 6 (12/13 November)

It was revealed during the sixth live show that the lifeline vote would not return for the remainder of the series.[83]

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSong[84] Result
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)1"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"Safe
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)2"I Will Survive"Bottom Two
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)3"Play That Funky Music"
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)4"Boogie Wonderland"/"September"Safe (Highest Votes)
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)5"Best of My Love"Safe
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)6"Wishing on a Star"
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)7"Stayin' Alive"
Sing-off
Sam LaveryGirls (Cowell)1"No More Drama"Eliminated
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)2"Stop Crying Your Heart Out"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate[85]

With the acts in the sing-off receiving two votes each, the result went to deadlock and reverted to the earlier public vote. Sam Lavery was eliminated as the act with the fewest public votes.

Week 7 (19/20 November)

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSongFilmResult
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)1"Jailhouse Rock"Jailhouse RockBottom Two
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)2"Try a Little Tenderness"The CommitmentsSafe
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)3"My Heart Will Go On"Titanic
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)4"Writing's on the Wall"SpectreSafe (Highest Votes)
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)5"It's Like That"/"Gettin' Jiggy wit It"/The Last Days of DiscoBottom Two
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)6"It Must Have Been Love"Pretty WomanSafe
Sing-off
Ryan LawrieBoys (Scherzinger)1"Lego House"Eliminated
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)2"Get Ur Freak On"/"Work It"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate[60]

However, voting statistics revealed that Lawrie received more votes than Honey G which meant that if Cowell sent the result to deadlock, Lawrie would have advanced to the quarter-final and Honey G would have been eliminated.

Week 8: Quarter-Final (26/27 November)

For the first time this series, the acts performed two songs.

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderFirst song ("Louis Loves")OrderSecond song (own choice)Result
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)1"Secret Love Song, Pt II"6"Alive"Safe
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)2"The Winner Takes It All"10"Diamonds Are Forever"/"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"Safe (Highest Votes)
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)3"U Can't Touch This"/"Super Freak"8"Push It"/"Black Beatles"Bottom Two
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)4"Uptown Funk"7"Sorry"/"One Dance"
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)5"Toxic"9"Human"Safe
Sing-off
Honey GOver 25s (Osbourne)1"California Love"Eliminated
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)2"Beneath Your Beautiful"Saved
Judges' votes to eliminate

Week 9: Semi-Final (3/4 December)

Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderChristmas SongOrderSong To Get into The FinalResult
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)1"Silent Night"6"Say You Love Me"Bottom Two
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)2"Stay Another Day"8"Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours"Safe
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)3"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"5"Mad World"Bottom Two
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)4"White Christmas"/"All I Want for Christmas Is You"7"Chandelier"Safe (Highest Votes)
Sing-off
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)1"Hurt"Saved
Emily MiddlemasGirls (Cowell)2"Wings"Eliminated
Judges' votes to send through to the final

Week 10: Final (10/11 December)

10 December
Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderFirst songOrderSecond song (duet)Result
5 After MidnightGroups (Walsh)1"Crazy in Love"4"Tears" (with Clean Bandit and Louisa Johnson)Eliminated
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)2"Take Me Home"5"Purple Rain" (with Nicole Scherzinger)Safe
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)3"Everybody Wants to Rule the World"6"Bohemian Rhapsody" (with Adam Lambert)Safe (Highest Votes)

5 After Midnight received the fewest public votes and was automatically eliminated.

11 December
Act! scope="col"
Category (mentor)OrderSong of the series[98] Originally Performed in..OrderSong to winResult
Saara AaltoOver 25s (Osbourne)1"It's Oh So Quiet"Live Show 33"I Didn't Know My Own Strength"Runner-up
Matt TerryBoys (Scherzinger)2"Writing's on the Wall"Live Show 74"One Day I'll Fly Away"Winner

Following the announcement that Terry had won, he performed his winner's single, "When Christmas Comes Around".

Winner's single

On 4 December 2016, it was announced that all VAT from the winner's single would be donated to charity, meaning that the charities Together for Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase would receive 100% of all profits from sales of the single. It is the sixth year running that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has waived VAT on The X Factor winner's single.[99]

Reception

Ratings

EpisodeAir dateDuration
(minutes)[100]
Official rating
(millions inc. HD & +1)[101]
Weekly rank
Auditions 190 8.52 2
Auditions 260 7.93 4
Auditions 360 10.05 3
Auditions 460 9.07 4
Auditions 560 9.02 2
Auditions 660 8.51 3
Auditions 760 9.21 2
Bootcamp90 8.17 3
Six-chair challenge 1110 8.73 4
Six-chair challenge 2120 8.52 5
Judges' houses 1110 8.59 4
Judges' houses 290 7.83 5
Live show 1120 7.57 7
Live results 160 7.39 8
Live show 2120 7.01 14
Live results 260 7.34 11
Live show 3110 7.12 18
Live results 360 7.22 15
Live show 4110 7.04 13
Live results 460 6.92 19
Live show 5100 6.72 24
Live results 560 7.13 12
Live show 690 7.18 15
Live results 660 6.91 18
Live show 785 7.10 17
Live results 760 6.73 23
Live show 8110 6.63 27
Live results 860 6.55 28
Live show 990 6.67 22
Live results 960 6.70 21
Live final125 6.35 24
Live final results125 7.56 9
Series average20167.62

Includes advert breaks

The ratings over a 7-day period, including the broadcasts on ITV, ITV HD, ITV+1 and streaming through ITV Hub.

The rank for the combined ITV, ITV HD and ITV+1 broadcasts, compared with all channels for that week, from Monday to Sunday.

Controversy and criticism

Brooks Way's withdrawal

Just hours before the first live show, duo Brooks Way, consisting of twin brothers Kyle and Josh Brooks, were suspended from the competition, over allegations that Josh had been violent with his ex-girlfriend Amelia Clark, allegedly breaking her nose and kicking her in the face during a New Year Eve party earlier in the year. It was reported throughout the weekend that Josh was regularly beating up Kyle. Kyle and Amelia came to Josh's defence, saying respectively that the allegations were false and that they were written by a friend and fan who chose to exploit from the show. During the broadcast, presenter Dermot O'Leary acknowledged the brothers' absence stating that it was due to "circumstances that have arisen".

The following Monday, the duo released a statement saying that they were withdrawing from the competition, from "mutual consent" with the producers, whilst denying the "false allegations" and saying that "truth always wins".[102] They were replaced by girl group, Four of Diamonds later that week.[103]

Fix claims

The X Factor were forced to deny that the competition was fixed when nightclub Kittys & Kandy, in Kirkcaldy, posted on Facebook that Honey G would be performing there on 10 December 2016, the same night as the show's final. The post was deleted and the venue said they had secured the date in case Honey G was eliminated before that date, but a spokesperson for The X Factor said, "This story is not true and there is no foundation to any fix claims. The club was mistaken in their post that she would be there on 10 December and the post has since been removed."[104]

Several viewers suspected that the jukebox wheel was rigged after it selected "Fright Night" for the theme for week 4, two days before Halloween.[105] O'Leary insisted the wheel was not rigged, calling it "the most rudimentary hamster wheel you've ever seen in your life".[106] Scherzinger also said she thought it was not fixed because, "I can't pick my songs until we know what theme we're doing—and the producers aren't picking anything as well."[107] Contestant Middlemas said of the wheel: "It's not computerised, it's an old-fashioned wheel. We can see it at the side and there's no-one else around apart from Dermot [O'Leary] pulling the wheel. We do it at rehearsals and it lands on something different each time. All of the producers knew people would say it was fixed. But we know how it works."[108]

Voting

At the start of the third live show, O'Leary announced that the voting lines were open for all contestants before they had performed, instead of after they performed as it had been in the first two live shows. Isobel Mohan from The Daily Telegraph claimed this was unfair and gave an advantage to those performing first and turned it into a popularity contest instead of a talent show.[68]

During the fifth results show, many viewers claimed that they were unable to vote via the mobile app. This also led to claims of a fix.[109]

Swearing

Ofcom received five complaints from viewers after Gifty Louise was heard swearing when she said, "I fucking told you" during the third live results show, when Sam Lavery was announced as the first act through to the following week. O'Leary issued an apology after the results. Ofcom confirmed that they were assessing the complaints before deciding whether to investigate.[110]

Notes and References

  1. News: Nick Grimshaw finally responds to Louis Walsh insults. 13 August 2016. Digital Spy. Joe. Anderton. 18 August 2016.
  2. News: Harp. Justin. Nick Grimshaw is quitting The X Factor – and is Caroline Flack about to follow?. Digital Spy. 18 February 2016. United Kingdom. 18 February 2016.
  3. News: Nissim. Mayer. It's OFFICIAL: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini quits The X Factor to focus on her pop career. Digital Spy. 5 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160408040738/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-x-factor/news/a789388/cheryl-quits-the-x-factor-to-focus-on-her-pop-career/. 8 April 2016. live. 5 April 2016.
  4. News: Rita Ora confirms she's leaving The X Factor. 10 May 2016. BBC Newsbeat. 10 May 2016.
  5. News: Nicole Scherzinger 'returning to X Factor as Simon Cowell confirms 2016 panel'. Walker. Danny. 10 May 2016. Daily Mirror. 22 May 2016.
  6. News: Louis Walsh to return to The X Factor. UTV. 18 May 2016.
  7. News: Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger return as X Factor judges. 1 June 2016. BBC Newsbeat. 1 June 2016.
  8. Web site: Davies . Megan . Olly Murs has quit The X Factor after just one series and wants to focus on his music instead . . 21 February 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160224051710/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-x-factor/news/a784285/olly-murs-has-quit-the-x-factor-after-just-one-series-and-wants-to-focus-on-his-music-instead/ . 24 February 2016 . United Kingdom . 21 February 2016 . dead .
  9. Web site: Wightman . Catriona . The X Factor: Now Caroline Flack officially quits just hours after her co-host Olly Murs . . 22 February 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160224051709/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-x-factor/news/a784324/the-x-factor-now-caroline-flack-officially-quits-just-hours-after-co-host-olly-murs-but-says-shes-had-a-brilliant-time/ . 24 February 2016 . United Kingdom . 22 February 2016 . dead .
  10. News: Dermot O'Leary returns 'home' to The X Factor. 29 March 2016. BBC News. 29 March 2016. United Kingdom.
  11. News: Run, Dermot! Run while you still can! Dermot O'Leary returns to X Factor. Heritage. Stuart. 29 March 2016. The Guardian. 21 April 2016.
  12. News: Get ready for some extra Xtra Factor. 27 June 2016. itv.com. ITV. 27 June 2016.
  13. News: Wightman. Catriona. The Xtra Factor: Rylan Clark-Neal officially joins Matt Edmondson as a co-host this year. Digital Spy. 1 July 2016. United Kingdom. 1 July 2016.
  14. News: The Xtra Factor: Rylan Clark-Neal officially joins Matt Edmondson as a co-host this year. Wightman. Catriona. 1 July 2016. Digital Spy. 2 July 2016.
  15. News: Mel B to return to The X Factor as Guest Judge!. 16 June 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 26 September 2016.
  16. News: The X Factor 2016: Auditions tour, judges, and everything else you need to know. Wightman. Catriona. 17 June 2016. Digital Spy. 22 June 2016.
  17. Web site: X Factor 2016 audition dates: Mobile try out locations revealed. Darvill. Josh. 1 March 2016. Tellymix. 2 July 2016. 19 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160819071813/http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/253383-x-factor-2016-audition-dates-mobile-try-locations-revealed.html. dead.
  18. Web site: X Factor auditions 2016: Open audition dates and venues confirmed. Darvill. Josh. 4 May 2016. TellyMix. 2 July 2016. 10 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160910235311/http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/255920-x-factor-auditions-2016-open-audition-dates-and-venues-confirmed.html. dead.
  19. Web site: X Factor: Reuniting the dream team. Nutkins. Kirsty. 26 August 2016. 3 September 2016.
  20. Web site: X Factor Six Chair Challenge returns, what about arena auditions?. 29 June 2016. 3 September 2016.
  21. Web site: The wait is over... The X Factor 2016 Judging panel revealed. itv.com.
  22. News: Raunchy Nicole Scherzinger gets flirty with Simon Cowell at X Factor auditions as she rocks JUST a jacket. Merriman. Rebecca. 13 June 2016. Daily Mirror. 15 June 2016.
  23. Web site: Mel B to return to The X Factor as Guest Judge!. itv.com. 16 June 2016.
  24. News: Nicole Scherzinger displays her cleavage in bizarre creation at The X Factor London auditions. Shenton. Zoe. 20 June 2016. Daily Mirror. 22 June 2016.
  25. News: X-Factor auditions begin in Edinburgh. Cameron. Courtney. 23 June 2016. Edinburgh News. 12 July 2016.
  26. Web site: X Factor 2016: Auditions return to Dublin with Louis Walsh!. Darvill. Josh. 2 July 2016. TellyMix. 2 July 2016.
  27. News: Mikko Sipola voitti Voice of Finlandin. 20 April 2012. Ilta-Sanomat. 27 November 2016. fi.
  28. News: The X Factor 2016: Waterloo Road's William Rush auditions for the judges – recognise him? Pictures and X Factor preview. Daly. Emma. 17 September 2016. Radio Times. 24 September 2016.
  29. News: X Factor announce big change to the bootcamp stage of the competition. Rajani. Deepika. 7 July 2016. OK!. 12 July 2016.
  30. News: The X Factor: Boot Camp isn't at a country house this year... so where is it?. Wightman. Catriona. 7 July 2016. Digital Spy. 12 July 2016.
  31. Bootcamp . The X Factor . The X Factor (British TV series) . ITV . ITV . 18 September 2016 . 13 . 8 .
  32. Web site: Everything you need to know about X Factor 2016: Start date, hosts, judges and categories. White. Jack. 22 August 2016. Official Charts Company. 26 August 2016.
  33. Web site: On Edge: Anticipating The X Factor 2016. 26 August 2016.
  34. News: The X Factor 2016: Which Girls made it through to the Six Chair Challenge? Full list of tonight's performances. 24 September 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 25 September 2016.
  35. News: The X Factor 2016: Which Boys made it through to the Six Chair Challenge? Full list of tonight's performances. 24 September 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 25 September 2016.
  36. News: The X Factor 2016: Which Overs made it through to the Six Chair Challenge? Full list of tonight's performances. 25 September 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 25 September 2016.
  37. News: The X Factor 2016: Which Groups made it to the Six Chair Challenge? Full list of tonight's performances. 25 September 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 26 September 2016.
  38. News: The X Factor 2016: Find out which Girls made it to Judges' Houses as Simon Cowell picks his Top Six. 24 September 2016. Digital Spy. Alexander. Susaanah. 26 September 2016.
  39. News: The X Factor 2016: Which Boys have made it to Judges' Houses? Nicole Scherzinger FINALLY picks her Top Six. 24 September 2016. Digital Spy. Alexander. Susaanah. 26 September 2016.
  40. News: The X Factor 2016: Sharon Osbourne picks her Top Six Overs after some brutal, tough decisions. 25 September 2016. Digital Spy. Alexander. Susaanah. 26 September 2016.
  41. News: The X Factor 2016: Louis Walsh FINALLY makes a decision about his Top 6 Groups – who made Judges' Houses?. 25 September 2016. Digital Spy. Alexander. Susaanah. 26 September 2016.
  42. News: Judges' Houses (1 of 2). 21 September 2016. itv.com. ITV. 26 September 2016.
  43. News: Dubai 'X Factor' hopeful Ivy Paredes tells her real story. 6 October 2016. Gulf News. 6 October 2016.
  44. News: Honey G is coming BACK for Judges' Houses as Ivy Grace is forced to pull out. 25 September 2016. Digital Spy. Alexander. Susaanah. 26 September 2016.
  45. News: X Factor 2016 wildcards REVEALED! Four acts get a second chance at judges' houses. 25 September 2016. Telly Mix. Darvill. Josh. 26 September 2016. 27 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160927130608/http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/279510-x-factor-2016-wildcards-revealed-four-acts-get-second-chance-judges-houses.html. dead.
  46. News: The X Factor groups have ALL changed their names already ahead of the Live Shows. 2 October 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 4 October 2016.
  47. News: X Factor studios to be DEMOLISHED following the semi-finals results show. Harris. Niomi. 4 December 2016. OK!. 16 December 2016.
  48. News: 'It's a sad day': X Factor studios to be demolished following tonight's live semi-final. Agius. Nicola. 4 December 2016. Daily Mirror. 16 December 2016.
  49. News: The X Factor 2016: The Jukebox Wheel will be spun tomorrow as we get a bottom three for the first time. Warner. Sam. 8 October 2016. Digital Spy. 10 October 2016.
  50. News: The X Factor 2016 announces a brand new twist for the live shows and it sounds INCREDIBLE. 6 October 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 6 October 2016.
  51. News: X Factor is letting YOU choose the Jukebox theme. Warner. Sam. 12 November 2016. Digital Spy. 13 November 2016.
  52. TheXFactor. 800430337297973252. @TheXFactor: The new #XFactorJukebox theme is Christmas!. 20 November 2016. 24 November 2016.
  53. News: Brooks Way leave The X Factor by mutual consent. 10 October 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 10 October 2016.
  54. News: Four of Diamonds to join The X Factor Live Shows!. 10 October 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 10 October 2016.
  55. News: James Arthur continues his triumphant comeback with a beautiful X Factor performance. Alexander. Susannah. 9 October 2016. Digital Spy. 10 October 2016.
  56. News: X Factor 2016: Which celebrity guest star will perform live this weekend?. Kadrou. Hayley. OK!. 28 October 2016. 29 October 2016.
  57. ZaraLarsson. 804752121908363265. @zaralarsson: UK! Excited to be on @TheXFactor this Sunday night! Tune in from 8pm #xfactor. 2 December 2016. 2 December 2016.
  58. News: Lady Gaga is performing on Sunday's X Factor Live Results Show! . 30 November 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 30 November 2016.
  59. News: Revealed! Voting stats from The X Factor 2016!. 11 December 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 12 December 2016.
  60. News: X Factor 2016 week 7 results: Honey G finally eliminated – thanks to Simon Cowell. The Daily Telegraph. 28 November 2016. Mohan. Isabel.
  61. News: The X Factor 2016: The finalists' first group performance was as bonkers as ever. Alexander. Susannah. 9 October 2016. Digital Spy. 10 October 2016.
  62. News: Welcome back, James Arthur! X Factor announces the former winner will perform on Sunday's results show. Lee. Ben. 8 October 2016. Digital Spy. 8 October 2016.
  63. News: Updated: The X Factor 2016: Brooks Way have been AXED from tonight's live shows. Warner. Sam. 8 October 2016. Digital Spy. 9 October 2016.
  64. News: The X Factor 2016 week 1 live shows: Brooks Way suspended and judges accused of being drunk. Mohan. Isabel. 8 October 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 8 October 2016.
  65. News: The X Factor 2016: Bratavio are the first act to leave after a tense sing off with Saara Aalto. Alexander. Susannah. 9 October 2016. Digital Spy. 10 October 2016.
  66. News: The X Factor 2016 Motown Week live blog live shows week 2 as they happen. Griffiths. Eleanor Bley. 15 October 2016. Radio Times. 17 November 2016.
  67. News: The X Factor 2016: Freddy Parker is the second act to leave after a sing-off with Saara Aalto. Goodacre. Kate. 16 October 2016. Digital Spy. 16 October 2016.
  68. News: The X Factor 2016 week 3 live shows: Could Honey G's time be up? And what's with the new voting rules?. 20 October 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 23 October 2016.
  69. News: The X Factor 2016: John Legend shows up to give the contestants advice – but which act is his favourite?. 21 October 2016. Digital Spy. Wightman. Catriona. 21 October 2016.
  70. News: The X Factor contestants crashed Busted's performance for the group number. 23 October 2016. Digital Spy. Houghton. Rianne. 25 October 2016.
  71. News: Nicole Scherzinger stuns X Factor viewers with opening Diva Week mashup. Duff. Seamus. 22 October 2016. Metro. 29 October 2016.
  72. News: Relley C is the latest act eliminated from the X Factor. Alexander. Susannah. 23 October 2016. Digital Spy. 25 October 2016.
  73. News: The X Factor 2016 week 4 live shows: Emily Middlemas steals the show but Matt Terry still favourite to win after 'best performance so far'. Mohan. Isobel. 30 October 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 2 November 2016.
  74. Web site: Gifty Louise is the fourth act to leave The X Factor 2016 and the audience was not happy. 30 October 2016. Digital Spy.
  75. News: X Factor 2016 live show: Saara Alto accused of cultural appropriation while Honey G gets standing ovation. Mohan. Isobel. 6 November 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 14 November 2016.
  76. Web site: X Factor: the best tweets from girlbands vs. boybands results night. 6 November 2016. Morris. Lucy. Digital Spy.
  77. News: X Factor Live Tour 2017 acts revealed... and Honey G is one of them!. 5 November 2016. AOL. 6 November 2016.
  78. News: Four of Diamonds eliminated from X Factor after sing off with Saara Aalto. Newman. Vicki. 6 November 2016. Daily Mirror. 14 November 2016.
  79. News: The X Factor 2016 week 6 live shows: Judges fawn over Honey G again but lay into Emily Middlemas. Mohan. Isabel. 13 November 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 14 November 2016.
  80. News: The X Factor invites armed forces veterans to tonight's show to mark Remembrance Sunday. James. Sarah. 13 November 2016. Digital Spy. 13 November 2016.
  81. News: Sister Sledge are performing on The X Factor!. 11 November 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 11 November 2016.
  82. News: Olly Murs and Nathan Sykes perform on X Factor as Sam Lavery gets the boot. Gumble. Daniel. 14 November 2016. Music Week. 14 November 2016.
  83. News: X Factor WON'T have a Lifeline vote during Disco Week results show, by the way. Goodacre. Jeff. 12 November 2016. Digital Spy. 13 November 2016.
  84. News: Disco Week songs revealed!. 11 November 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 11 November 2016.
  85. News: Sam Lavery is booted off X Factor as Honey G survives another week. Reilly. Nicholas. 13 November 2016. Metro. 14 November 2016.
  86. News: The X Factor 2016 week 7 movie special: Nicole Scherzinger declares love for Matt Terry while Honey G challenges Strictly's Ed Balls to dance-off. Mohan. Isabel. 20 November 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 2 December 2016.
  87. News: School of Rock live performance on The X Factor. 21 November 2016. 2 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161203060936/http://www.globalartists.co.uk/press/school-of-rock-live-performance-on-the-x-factor/. 3 December 2016.
  88. News: Ryan Lawrie exits The X Factor after Honey G sing-off. Hanley. James. 20 November 2016. Music Week. 2 December 2016.
  89. News: The X Factor 2016 week 8 live shows: Honey G grabbed on stage by internet pranksters – and it definitely wasn't fake. Mohan. Isabel. 27 November 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 2 December 2016.
  90. TheXFactor. 802500908642775042. @thexfactor: This is going to be a goodie. The @Busted boys (or men!) will be performing on The #XFactor tomorrow night!. 26 November 2016. 26 November 2016.
  91. CleanBandit. 801826308774838272. @cleanbandit: We're performing #Rockabye LIVE on @thexfactor on Sunday with the amazing @duttypaul & @annemarieiam!! Get it now at https://atlanti.cr/rockabyetw. 24 November 2016. 20 November 2016.
  92. News: Christmas week songs UNWRAPPED!. 2 December 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 2 December 2016.
  93. News: Saturday's song choices revealed!. 9 December 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 9 December 2016.
  94. TheXFactor. 806395318061273088. @thexfactor: The only way we could make our line up on The #XFactor any bigger this weekend... we've got @theweeknd performing LIVE!!! . 7 December 2016. 2 December 2016.
  95. TheXFactor. 806394060403412992. @thexfactor: We're SO EXCITED that the one and only @kylieminogue will also be performing on The #XFactor this weekend! . 7 December 2016. 2 December 2016.
  96. News: Here's some of the acts we've got performing on this weekend's X Factor FINAL!. 9 December 2016. The X Factor. itv.com. 9 December 2016.
  97. LittleMix. 806482129752301568. @LittleMix: This is gonna be soooooo EPIC! We’re performing #Touch and #Oops LIVE with @charlieputh THIS SUNDAY on @TheXFactor the girls x. 7 December 2016. 2 December 2016.
  98. Live Show 10. The Xtra Factor . 10 December 2016 . ITV . ITV2 . 10 December 2016 . 13 . 31.
  99. News: Children's charities to get X Factor single VAT money. 4 December 2016. BBC News. 5 December 2016.
  100. Web site: TV Guide. ITV. 18 September 2016.
  101. Web site: Weekly Viewing Summary (see relevant week under) . . 20 October 2016.
  102. Web site: Brooks Way leave X Factor in "mutual" decision with producers after insisting: "Truth always wins".
  103. News: Four of Diamonds to replace Brooks Way on X Factor live shows. The Telegraph . 10 October 2016 .
  104. News: The X Factor Honey G 'booked for live show on day of the final'. Deen. Sarah. 20 October 2016. Metro. 23 October 2016.
  105. News: No prizes for guessing which theme the X Factor jukebox has picked for next week. Alexander. Susannah. 23 October 2016. Digital Spy. 2 November 2016.
  106. News: Exclusive: X Factor host Dermot O'Leary insists the Jukebox Wheel is 100% NOT rigged. Gordon. Naomi. Mansell. Tom. Harp. Justin. 1 November 2016. Digital Spy. 2 November 2016.
  107. News: X Factor's Nicole Scherzinger isn't buying your Fright Night conspiracy theories. Harp. Justin. 25 October 2016. Digital Spy. 2 November 2016.
  108. News: X Factor's Emily Middlemas on jukebox fix claims: 'We use it during rehearsals and it's different every time!'. Gordon. Naomi. 28 October 2016. Digital Spy. 2 November 2016.
  109. News: X Factor 2016 results hit by major problem as app CRASHES. 6 November 2016. TellyMix. 6 November 2016.
  110. News: The X Factor Gifty F-bomb got five viewer complaints and it's being looked into. 24 October 2016. Digital Spy. Sandwell. Ian. 25 October 2016.