The X Factor

The X Factor is a New Zealand television reality music competition, originating from the original UK series and based on the Australian The X Factor production format. The show began in 2013 and was open to anyone aged 14 and over. The winner was signed to Sony Music Entertainment New Zealand. The contestants were split into the show's four traditional categories: Boys, Girls, Over 25s and Groups. From the second series, bands were also able to enter in the group category. The show was cancelled in 2017, with MediaWorks confirming that the format rights to the show had expired. History The X Factor was created by Simon Cowell in the United Kingdom and the New Zealand version is based on the original UK series. TV3 initially purchased the rights to produce a local version of The X Factor in 2010. In September 2012, TV3 finally confirmed that the first series would begin production in early 2013. Broadcast funding agency NZ On Air confirmed they would contribute $1.6 million to the first series as a minority investor, for the production of 30 episodes of 60 minutes duration each.