NBC Line-up Changes for 2013 Prime Time

NBC today announced changes to its 2013 primetime mid-season schedule highlighted by the premieres of three new series, including comedy "1600 Penn," from one of the architects of "Modern Family"; an intriguing drama "Deception" (formerly “Infamous”); and producer Eva Longoria's big reality relationship show "Ready for Love."

In addition, several of the network's biggest hits will return, including "The Voice" with new coaches Usher and Shakira; fall hit "Revolution"; "Smash," featuring Jennifer Hudson; and "The Biggest Loser," with some innovative changes to the format and the return of Jillian Michaels.

Further scheduling announcements will be forthcoming.

Following are the highlights of the changes:

Mondays:
The new drama “Deception” – starring Meagan Good (“Think Like a Man”), Victor Garber (“Alias”), Tate Donovan (“Damages”) and Katherine LaNasa (“Alfie”) in a dark family murder mystery -- debuts on January 7 (10-11 p.m. ET). Preceding “Deception” is the new season of “The Biggest Loser” which returns with a two-night premiere on Sunday, January 6 (9-11 p.m. ET) and Monday, January 7 (8-10 p.m. ET), and will continue on Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) until the return of "The Voice."

“The Voice” maintains its momentum as it returns March 25 for a fourth season (8-10 p.m. ET) and Tuesday, March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET). It continues its two-night Monday/Tuesday schedule as it did this fall. “Revolution” -- the season’s only bona fide new hit series -- will return and follow “The Voice” on March 25 (10-11 p.m. ET) when it concludes its current fall broadcast dates in November.

Tuesdays:
Last year’s acclaimed musical drama “Smash” makes its much-anticipated return with a two-hour episode on February 5 (9-11 p.m. ET) -- with Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson -- and will resume on Tuesday, February 12 (10-11 p.m. ET) in its regular day and time. “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” premieres on January 8 with back-to-back episodes (8-8:30 p.m. ET and 8:30-9 p.m. ET) and will continue in that hour each Tuesday.

“The Voice” also will return on Tuesdays on March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Thursdays:
The new comedy “1600 Penn” -- starring Bill Pullman (“Independence Day”), Jenna Elfman (“Dharma and Greg”) and Josh Gad (Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon”) as a typical American family who just happen to live in the White House -- debuts on January 10 (9:30-10 p.m. ET). Jason Winer, Emmy-winning director of "Modern Family" is co-creator and director. The critically hailed comedy “Community” returns on February 7 (8-8:30 p.m. ET). “Parks and Recreation” moves up one hour on the Thursday schedule to 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) on January 17.

Sundays:
The new alternative series “Ready for Love” -- an innovative and dramatic new relationship show about making real connections with executive producer Eva Longoria – premieres Sunday, March 31 (8-10 p.m. ET). Donald Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” resumes with an “All-Star” edition of former celebrity contestants on March 3 (9-11 p.m. ET) for four weeks before continuing in one-hour episodes on Sunday, March 31 (10-11 p.m. ET).

Anderson Live Axed

In a pretty slick media move, Time Warner’s syndication production studio, TelePictures, announced today (during a hurricane), that Anderson Live, Anderson Cooper's syndicated talk show, will not be broadcast beyond this season. 

As you may know producers this year added a rotating co-host slot and went live.  Apparently, that wasn't good enough in a crowded syndication space.

Producers gave the following statement to The New York Times:

“We are extremely proud of Anderson and the show that he and the entire production team have produced. While we made significant changes to the format, set and produced it live in its second season, the series will not be coming back for a third season in a marketplace that has become increasingly difficult to break through. We will continue to deliver top-quality shows throughout next summer.”

Anderson Cooper said:

“I am very proud of the work that our terrific staff has put into launching and sustaining our show for two seasons, I am grateful to Telepictures for giving me the opportunity, and I am indebted to the audience, who have responded so positively. I look forward to doing more great shows this season, and I’m sorry we won’t be continuing, but I have truly enjoyed it.”

Taylor Swift to Dancing with the Stars

Monday is country night, on "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" on ABC. Each couple will perform to a country hit during which the celebrity will be required to perform a solo. Three-time CMA Award-nominated group Little Big Town will perform their hit, "Pontoon," accompanied by The Troupe.

The next night, TUESDAY, the 30th, multi-platinum and six-time Grammy- winner Taylor Swift will perform her mega hit single, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," from her new blockbuster album, "Red."

In addition Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Jason Mraz will hit the stage to perform his chart topping hit single, "I Won't Give Up," from his latest album, "Love is a Four Letter Word." Pro dancers Chelsie Hightower and Mark Ballas will dance during his live performance.

 And this week's "Macy's Stars of Dance" welcomes RJ Durell and Nick Florez, two of the hottest choreographers in the business, having worked with Katy Perry, Cher Lloyd and, most recently, Pink. Their dance will bring a modern day twist on Marie Antoinette, featuring incredible costumes, amazing hair and makeup, and 14 of some of the best dancers out there.

Taylor Swift is a six-time Grammy winner and the youngest winner ever of the music industry's highest honor, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. She writes all of her own songs, and has career record sales in excess of 22 million albums and 50 million song downloads. Swift's fourth studio album, "Red," was just released this week and is already garnering widespread critical acclaim and setting new sales records. The album's lead single, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," has been certified double platinum and spent three weeks at No. 1 atop Billboard's all-genre Hot 100 Chart. The track topped the iTunes charts in 32 countries, and set a new record for the biggest digital sales week ever for a female artist. Her 2010 album, "Speak Now," was lauded on Rolling Stone's prestigious 50 Greatest Albums of All Time (by women) list, and Time magazine named Swift one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Hailed as one of today's most gifted pop troubadours, Jason Mraz has taken his musical journey from coffee houses to stadiums globally and now has two Grammy Awards and six Grammy nominations to his credit. Mraz's latest album, "Love is a Four Letter Word," debuted in the Top 15 in 13 countries, including No. 2 in the United States, with the first single, "I Won't Give Up," debuting in the No. 1 slot on Billboard's Digital Songs Chart one week after its release. Mraz's previous album, "WE SING. WE DANCE. WE STEAL THINGS." was a multi-platinum, best-selling album that featured the record breaking single, "I'm Yours." The album also helped him garner two Grammy wins to add to his long list of accomplishments, winning Best Male Vocal Performance for "Make It Mine" and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Lucky," his duet with Colbie Cailbat.

Platinum-selling group Little Big Town first entered the music scene over 13 years ago with hits such as "Boondocks," "Bring It on Home" and "Little White Church." The band recently earned the highest album debut of their career with the release of "Tornado," which sold 112,758 units in its first week. "Tornado" held the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Country Albums Chart for five consecutive weeks. The album's two-week No. 1 single, "Pontoon," has sold over 1 million downloads, and their current single, "Tornado," is their fastest rising to date. Little Big Town have three nominations for the upcoming CMA Awards, including Vocal Group of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year for "Pontoon." They have performed for over 4 million fans nationwide.

Big & Rich are America's Technicolor cowboys, brothers-in-arms in service to the creed that great music has no boundaries. Individually John Rich and Big Kenny Alphin are first-rate musicians, songwriters, producers and entertainers. Together they are one of the most truly original musical forces ever unleashed. With the release of "Hillbilly Jedi," they reassert their position as modern music's best party soundtrack with songs like "Party Like Cowboyz," "Rock the Boat" and "Get Your Game On."

Hosted by Emmy Award winner Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Brooke Burke-Charvet ("Dancing with the Stars" Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines judged by ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

President Obama on Morning Joe Monday

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski will talk to President Barack Obama at one of his campaign events in New Hampshire on Saturday, October 27. The interview will air on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, October 29. Joe and Mika will also talk to Senior White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett to air on Monday.

First Lady Acts in Kimmel Bit

Here's a pretty funny bit with First Lady Michelle Obama on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Brian Williams' Exclusive with President Obama

Here's a preview of tonight's broadcast of Brian Williams’ exclusive interview with President Barack Obama, airing tonight on “NBC Nightly News.” Williams has been given rare behind-the-scenes access to the President during the campaign’s “America Forward!” blitz of battleground states.

Additional clips will be followed by special extended coverage on “Rock Center with Brian Williams” at 10/9 Central.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

President Obama Trumps Trump

You have to love President Obama for his willingness to roll with the punches.

On The Tonight Show last night with Jay Leno, he responded with great humor to Donald Trump's phony offer of $5 million to charity, if the president delivers his school applications and transcripts, along with his passport applications and records.  (A bluff since there's very little possibility Obama has the applications; who would after 25+ years?)

President Obama responded that the bad blood between the two:  "dates back to when we were growing up together in Kenya."

"We had constant run-ins on the soccer fields," Obama told Leno, obviously tongue-in-cheek. "He wasn't very good and resented it. When we finally moved to America, I thought it would be over."

No, it's not over.  What's more, there are probably those among the Tonight Show audience who actually thought the president was being serious.

American Idol Season Premiere is January 16th

FOX has announced the premiere dates for new and returning series, including the returns of AMERICAN IDOL and TOUCH, and the debut of new thriller THE FOLLOWING.

 

Featuring host Ryan Seacrest and new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, along with returning judge Randy Jackson, the 12^th season of AMERICAN IDOL begins on Wednesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), with Part II on Thursday, Jan. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

 

THE FOLLOWING, a psychological thriller created by Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “Scream” franchise),starring Golden Globe Award-winning actor Kevin Bacon (“X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Frost/Nixon”) and James Purefoy (“Rome”), launches Monday, Jan. 21 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The intense drama follows RYAN HARDY (Bacon), an ex-FBI agent called out of retirement to track down JOE CARROLL (Purefoy), a devious and diabolical serial killer, and the mastermind behind an ever-growing web of killers.

 

Season Two of TOUCH, starring Emmy Award winner Kiefer Sutherland (“24”), begins Friday, Feb. 1 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). As the action shifts dramatically from New York to Los Angeles, single father MARTIN BOHM (Sutherland) and his gifted son, JAKE (David Mazouz), find themselves at the center of a global conspiracy involving a mother in search of her missing teenage daughter, a mathematical genius and a religious zealot assassinating others with abilities like Jake’s. Joining the cast this season are Maria Bello (“ER”), Lukas Haas (“24”), Said Taghmaoui (“G.I. Joe: The Rise of The Cobra”) and newcomer Saxon Sharbino.

 

FOX WINTER SEASON AND SERIES PREMIERE DATES

(Times for All-New Episodes are ET/PT Except as Noted) 

Wednesday, Jan. 16: 8:00-10:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part One)
Thursday, Jan. 17:  8:00-9:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part Two)

 

Monday, Jan. 21: 9:00-10:00 PM - THE FOLLOWING (Series Premiere)

Friday, Feb. 1: 9:00-10:00 PM - TOUCH (Season Premiere)

Final 16 of The X Factor Revealed

Following the “Judges’ Homes” round of THE X FACTOR, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid, and Britney Spears each revealed the four acts in their categories that will continue in the competition. All 16 acts will perform on a live two-and-a-half hour event, hosted by Khloé Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez, on Thursday, Nov. 1 (8:00-10:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).  THE X FACTOR live shows continue on on Sunday, Nov. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) with additional performances and the announcement of the Season Two finalists.

THE TOP 16 ACTS ARE:

Teens (16 and under) whom Britney Spears is mentoring: 

“I had a really tough time picking my final four – all of my kids were incredibly talented,” said Spears. “But I do believe I have the winner, so watch out Simon!  You and your groups are going down!  My Teens and I have some surprises in store for you.”

Beatrice Miller, 13  Hometown: Maplewood, NJ Meet Beatrice Miller video Keep up with Beatrice at:      Twitter: @BeatriceMiller Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBeatriceMiller

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Arin Ray, 17 Hometown: Cincinnati, OH Meet Arin Ray video Keep up with Arin at:      Twitter: @ArinRaySings Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialArinRay

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Carly Rose Sonenclar, 13 Hometown:  Westchester, NY Meet Carly Rose Sonenclar video Keep up with Carly at:      Twitter: @CarlyRoseMusic Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyrosesonenclar

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Diamond White, 13 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Meet Diamond White video Keep up with Diamond at:      Twitter: @Diamondkwhite Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialDiamondWhite

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The Young Adults (17-24) whom Demi Lovato is mentoring:

“I am so excited that I have this group because I am SURE the winner is in my final four,” said Lovato. “I cannot wait to mentor them - they are amazing!!”

Cece Frey, 21 Hometown: Decatur, IL Meet Cece Frey video Keep up with Cece at:      Twitter: @CeCeMissXtotheO Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheCeCeOfficial

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Jennel Garcia, 18 Hometown: Rochester, MA Meet Jennel Garcia video Keep up with Jennel at:       Twitter: @JennelGarcia Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennelgarciamusic

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Willie Jones, 18 Hometown:  Shreveport, LA Meet Willie Jones video Keep up with Willie at:      Twitter: @ThatKiddWill Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialwilliejones

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Paige Thomas, 22 Hometown: San Antonio, TX Meet Paige Thomas video Keep up with Paige at:      Twitter: @PaigeAva Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePaigeThomas

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The Over 25s whom L.A. Reid is mentoring: 

“Choosing my four acts was tough, but I feel good about the category I’m bringing with me to the live shows,” said Reid. “The Over 25s are definitely the ones to watch this season.”

Vino Alan, 40 Hometown: Laquey, MO Meet Vino Alan video Keep up with Vino at:      Twitter: @VinoAlan Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vino.alan

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Jason Brock, 35 Hometown:  San Francisco, CA Meet Jason Brock video Keep up with Jason at:      Twitter: @jasonbroccoli Facebook: www.facebook.com/jasonbrockvocals

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David Correy, 27 Hometown:  Riva, MD Meet David Correy video Keep up with David at:      Twitter: @davidcorrey Facebook: www.facebook.com/DavidCorreyURR

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Tate Stevens, 37 Hometown: Raymore, MO Meet Tate Stevens video Keep up with Tate at:      Twitter: @tatestevensctry Facebook:  www.facebook.com/TateStevensofficialfanpage

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The Groups that Simon Cowell is mentoring:  

“The groups are in a different league this year,” said Cowell. “I am feeling very confident and so are they. They have a great mentor and I have great artists.”

Emblem3

  Drew Chadwick        Age: 20           Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA   @drewchadwickE3

  Keaton Stromberg    Age: 16           Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA   @KeatonStromberg

  Wesley Stromberg    Age: 18           Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA   @WesleyStromberg

Meet Emblem 3 video

Keep up with the Emblem3 at:

     Twitter: @Emblemthree

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmblemThree

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LYLAS

  Ally Brooke                           Age: 19           Hometown: San Antonio, TX     @AllyBrooke

  Camila Cabello                     Age: 15           Hometown: Miami, FL                @camilacabello97        

  Normani Hamilton                 Age: 16           Hometown: Houston, TX            @NormaniKordei

  Dinah Jane Hansen              Age: 15           Hometown: Santa Ana, CA        @dinahjane97

  Lauren Jauregui                    Age: 16           Hometown: Miami, FL                @LaurenJauregui

Meet LYLAS video

Keep up with LYLAS at:

     Twitter: @weareLYLAS

Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareLYLAS

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Lyric 145

Jemelle Joseph                       Age: 23           Hometown: Bay Shore, NY        @mrmelee

 Julien Joseph                         Age: 19           Hometown: Bay Shore, NY        @SirJewlz

Lyric Da Queen                      Age: 23           Hometown: Atlanta, GA              @lyricdaqueen

Meet Lyric 145 video

Keep up with Lyric 145 at:

     Twitter: @Lyric145

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lyric145

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Sister C

  Carli Rayne Manchaca         Age: 19           Hometown: Austin,TX           @CarliManchaca

  Celbi Manchaca                    Age: 18           Hometown: Austin, TX          @CelbiManchaca

  Cirby Ryan Manchaca         Age: 21           Hometown: Austin, TX          @CirbyManchaca

 

Meet Sister C video

Keep up with Sister C at:

     Twitter: @OfficialSisterC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialSisterC

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The eliminated acts include Reed Deming and James Tanner from the Teens category; Jillian Jensen and Nick Youngerman from Young Adults; Daryl Black and Tara Simon from Over 25s; and Dope Crisis and Playback from Groups.

On Wednesday, Nov. 7 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the top finalists will perform not only for the judges, but for votes from the public.  The next round of performers to go forward will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

The Talk on CBS is Up; ABC Daytime Talk, Not So Much

CBS is reporting that The Talk, its daytime talk show, is rising in the ratings. The show posted increases in viewers and key female demographics versus last week and the comparable week last year, according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for the week ending Oct. 12.

Compared to the previous week, THE TALK was up 3% in viewers (2.32m from 2.25m), 11% in women 25-54 (1.0/06 from 0.9/06) and even in women 18-49 (0.7/05).

Compared to the same week a year ago, THE TALK was up 23% in viewers (2.32m from 1.88m), 11% in women 25-54 (1.0/06 from 0.9/05) and 17% in women 18-49 (0.7/05 from 0.6/04).

Season-to-date, THE TALK is up 19% in viewers (2.32m from 1.95m), 11% in women 25-54 (1.0/06 from 0.9/06), 25% in women 18-34 (0.5/03 from 0.4/02) and even in women 18-49 (0.7/05).

The View, over on ABC, has not been so fortunate.  It had an average of 3.35 million viewers during the week of October 8th, a 9% dip from last year at this time.

Meanwhile, The Chew, the show soap lovers love to hate (because it displaced All My Children), was up 24% for the year with 2.31 million viewers.   That's quite an increase from this past August when it was drawing just around 2 million viewers per week.  The gains for The Chew are not as great in the 25-54 demographic, where it lost 7% in the past week.

Finally, the news for General Hospital, which relocated from 3 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the ABC schedule, is pretty good.  The soap averaged 2.67 million viewers, 14% more than last year.  There was 29% growth among women 18-34.  It's also worth noting that GH is drawing about 4% more viewers than One Live to Live, which previously occupied the 2 p.m. slot.

FOX Renews X Factor

FOX has ordered a third season of THE X FACTOR, it was announced today by Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“I couldn't be happier about THE X FACTOR already being renewed for another season,” said Simon Cowell. “I am so proud of the show and the team who have made it this season. I want to thank our incredible sponsors for their support and creativity, and FOX for going out of their way to do everything they can to make this show a success. Most importantly, I have to personally thank our amazing fans for the support and enthusiasm they have given to THE X FACTOR. Our main commitment will always be to find great talent, and let's not forget, we are now days away from our first live shows. The gloves are off! Expect fireworks!”

“This season, Simon and the producers of THE X FACTOR took an already strong show and made it absolutely fantastic. The format changes are working, the contestants are unbelievably talented, and Britney and Demi – alongside Simon and L.A – have brought an incredibly fun new chemistry to the judges’ panel that our fans really love,” said Darnell. “We feel great about the show and I’m thrilled to bring it back next year for Season Three.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled that THE X FACTOR will be returning to FOX for a third hit season,” said Trish Kinane, President of Entertainment Programming at FremantleMedia North America. “We’ve seen an incredible range of talent so far and we’re getting set for some truly blockbuster live shows this season that viewers will love. THE X FACTOR has really come into its own this year, finding its unique place and cementing its position as one of the leading talent shows in the entertainment landscape, as well as showing clear potential to build into a brand with true longevity. We’re looking forward to working with the fantastic teams at FOX and Syco, along with our sponsors, to build upon the show’s success.”

Season to date, THE X FACTOR is averaging a 3.9 rating among Adults 18-49 and 10.6 million Total Viewers and is a Top 15 show this fall among Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34. In addition, THE X FACTOR is a Top 5 entertainment program among Teens this season.

The following schedule changes due to the rain-delayed MLB NLCS game last week should be noted, if you're watching this program.  On Tuesday, Oct. 23, the conclusion of the “Judges’ Homes” round of THE X FACTOR will air at a special time from 9:30-10:30 PM ET/PT on FOX. Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid and Britney Spears will reveal the 16 acts among the Teens, Young Adults, Groups and Over 25s categories that will continue in the competition.

Next week, the Top 16 acts will perform on a special LIVE two-and-a-half hour show, hosted by Khloé Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez, on Thursday, Nov. 1 (8:00-10:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).  THE X FACTOR live shows continue on a special night on Sunday, Nov. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) with additional performances and the announcement of the Season Two finalists.

THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Nigel Hall are executive producers for Syco Television. Trish Kinane, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America. “Like” THE X FACTOR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #xfactor.

About THE X FACTOR and Syco Entertainment

Artists discovered by “The X Factor” format have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 No. 1, 270 Top 10 and 501 Top 50 releases. Local versions of “The X Factor” are now produced in more than 40 territories and the series has won numerous accolades worldwide, including three BAFTA’s, numerous NTA’s, as well as the coveted Rose d’Or.