The Australian version of The X Factor was a 2005 Network Ten television show of similar format to Australian Idol, which is based on the UK television show The X Factor. It was a music talent search split over three categories: group, solo 16-25 and solo 25 and over. It was hosted by Daniel MacPherson and the judges were Australian Idol judge and music producer Mark Holden, singer Kate Ceberano and Scottish events manager John Reid.

After the initial auditions, each judge was randomly allocated a category (Reid: solo 25 and over; Holden: vocal groups; Ceberano: solo 16-25). The judges then cut the number of contestants down until they had three contestants each, which competed in the live shows at the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, dubbed the Final Nine.

The winner of the series was Random. The series rated poorly and will not return for a second season.

Contestants

• The Brothership: Mentor: Mark Holden The Brothership, consists of the three Philippou brothers from South Australia, George, 33, Adam, 30 and Michael, 29. They went through many different names during The X Factor, including 49 Sheriff, Phillipo and The Phillipo Brothers, until they settled on The Brothership. They were the first to leave during the live shows, after a performance of "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers.

• Janie Shrapnel: Mentor: John Reid Janie, 47 from Samford, Queensland was the second contestant eliminated.

• Gemma Purdy: Mentor: Kate Ceberano Gemma, 16, was the third person to be eliminated from the finals series. She wowed audiences with her Jazz based performances. Her final performance was a wobbly rendition of Christina Aguilera's "The Voice Within". Gemma is currently back studying at her High School in Nunawading which is in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria

• Jacob Butler: Mentor: Kate Ceberano Jacob, 22 from Littlehampton, South Australia, was dubbed the "Rock kid" of The X Factor. He left voluntarily after both him and fellow 16-24 contestant Vincent Harder were in the bottom two. Jacob tried out for Australian Idol 2005 making it to the Top 151 but was sent home after the second round.

• Roslynn Mahe: Mentor: John Reid Roslynn, 30 from Granville, New South Wales was the fifth to be eliminated.

• Kaya Mentor: Mark Holden Kaya, formerly Kaya in August, consisted of Alexandra Kaye, 29 from Bondi Junction, Juleiaah Boehm, 23 from Camperdown, Sally Stevens, 25 from Bondi and Emma Deans, 22 from Balmain. During the competition they were mentored by judge Mark Holden. The group made it to the final four musical acts before being eliminated.

• Vincent Harder: Mentor: Kate Ceberano Vincent, 22 from Bondi, New South Wales came third in The X Factor.

• Russel Gooley: Mentor: John Reid Russel, 27 from the tiny town of Narrogin, Western Australia was the runner up in the series.

• Random: Mentor: Mark Holden Random were an R&B vocal group who eventually won The X Factor.

See also

• List of Australian television series

External links

• The X Factor's official website
• The Brothership's website
• The Offical Kaya Website
• The Official Jacob Butler Website

Australian reality television series | Network Ten shows | FremantleMedia TV shows