Sony Entertainment Television announces launch of The world’s biggest singing show X Factor

Mumbai, 27th May, 2011: Sony Entertainment Television today unveiled X Factor India the Indian version of the No 1 singing show globally X Factor. A worldwide phenomenon, THE X FACTOR is a competition series developed by Simon Cowell that gives viewers the opportunity to help choose the next musical megastar.

THE X FACTOR is a runaway hit in 24 countries with over 500 million viewers, the Big Daddy of all singing shows in size and scale. The show will showcase Xtraordinary talent from across the length and breadth of the country like never seen before. The show is all set to to energize the weekend primetime slot for Sony Entertainment Television, already a stronghold for the channel.

The X Factor India, a show, lavishly mounted in exotic locales and spectacular sets raises the bar and takes the initial auditions to an exciting and explosive new level as the hopefuls will audition not only for the judges, but also in front of a live audience of thousands in venues across the country. The concert-like atmosphere will bring a new dimension to the performances, giving the contestants an opportunity to prove they have the whole package – vocal ability, charisma and stage presence – from the moment they step on stage.

Those contestants who survive the first auditions graduate to “boot camp” and will then be divided into three categories: 16 – 25 years, individuals over 25 years and groups. Each category will be mentored by one of the show’s judges which include the dynamic Sonu Nigam a multitalented singer and an icon to millions of music lovers, the melodious, Shreya Ghoshal along with celebrated ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The contestants will be put through the paces mercilessly whittled down until the top acts remain. Not only is it a battle between the hopefuls to stake their claim for the coveted win, but it’s also a showdown among the judges as to whose acts will dominate and make it to the finals. The judges may have their say in how the competition progresses, but it will be up to India to decide who ultimately has THE X FACTOR.

The nationwide search for undiscovered talent, who were willing to brave the panel of experts and the Indian public for a chance to make it big, began months ago with the charming and versatile singer/anchor Aditya Narayan – the host of the show, travelling the length and breadth of the country in search of the complete performers.

Produced by Freemantle India, THE X FACTOR proven ratings success story, across the globe with the recent U.K. finale capturing a phenomenal 20 million viewers with a 60% audience share is all set to be the new benchmark of all the singing shows on Indian television…

Announcing the show, Mr. Manjit Singh, CEO, MSM India Pvt Ltd said, “SET is our spearheaded channel in India and has always been at the helm of introducing globally popular big format shows in India. The X Factor an international runaway hit show, I am sure is the next big thing from Sony. We have always shown the best and with X Factor we renew our commitment on providing world class entertainment to Indian audiences and are sure to receive overwhelming support as we have enjoyed during our past endeavors.

Speaking at the launch Mr. N.P Singh, COO, MSM India Pvt Ltd said “2010-11 was a very successful year for SET, we established our leadership in the non – fiction genre with extremely successful shows like KBC, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Indian Idol and Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. I am delighted to launch X Factor on the back of IPL which will take this trend forward and establish our leadership in the non- fiction genre and consolidate our position amongst the top 3 channels.

Commenting on the launch of X Factor, Ms Sneha Rajani, Senior EVP and Business Head, SET said “X Factor India the biggest show ever to be seen on Indian television in terms of size, scale and talent, will debut on Sony. The auditions will play all days of the week between 29th May till 4th June at 9 pm and the galas will start from the 10th of June with the top 12 finalists, every Friday and Saturday at 9pm.

She further added,” X Factor is all about extraordinary talent and extraordinary scale. We expect X Factor to strengthen the weekend programming band for Sony with its spectacular line up of talents, iconic judges, never seen before set and production design. We are delighted to have Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal two of the biggest names in the music industry today along with the most celebrated Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali as judges and I am sure this popular show with millions of loyal fans across the globe has now found a new home in India – Sony Entertainment Television.”

Quote from S K Raj Barua, MD, Freemantle Media India “We are very excited to be launching X Factor India and expect the show to be the biggest and the best yet. Viewers will be thrilled to see some of the innovations and cutting edge technology integrated into this production and we are excited to collaborate with Sony Entertainment Television, which has been an excellent home for the biggest shows. By tapping into the international and creative expertise of FremantleMedia’s global network, we expect the show to set new benchmarks for all Singing Talent Shows and become one of the world’s most inspiring brands. We are confident that X FACTOR India will find India’s most talented performers and look forward to seeing all the drama unfolds in this fantastic show.”

About Sony Entertainment Television:

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) backs Multi Screen Media Private Limited, which is India’s leading television network. It comprises of Sony Entertainment Television (SET), one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; MAX, India’s premium movies and special events channel, SAB; a family comedy entertainment channel; PIX, the only movie channel which places great importance on the storytelling element of movies. PIX features films selected from some of the best producers and top Hollywood studios.

Since its launch in October 1995, SET has created a unique space for itself in the Indian Television industry. Pioneering new waves in television programming, with blockbuster movie premiers, big formats, an impressive lineup of programs ranging from the light hearted, to the supernatural, alternate path breaking content exploring various genres complimented by an explosive mix of glamorous events. SET is known for its innovative concepts and exciting formats and is the most preferred family entertainment channel that reaches more than 50 million households, in India. Additionally, SET is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Malaysia. In total, SET influences over 300 million viewers in the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and South Asian Diaspora worldwide.

Sony Entertainment Television is a part of the network of channels distributed by The One Alliance – a joint venture between Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. and Discovery Communications India. Other channels in the One Alliance network include MAX, AXN, Animax, PIX, SAB TV, Sony Aath, Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World, it also distributes the popular TV Today Network channels – Headlines Today, Aaj Tak and Tez and now the premium Sports channels of India – Neo Sports and Neo Cricket.