The X Factor is a British
reality television music competition to find new singing talent, contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. Created by
Simon Cowell, the show began in 2004 and has since aired annually from August/September until December. The show is produced by
FremantleMedia's
Thames (previously
Talkback Thames) and Cowell's production company
Syco TV. It is broadcast on the
ITV network in the United Kingdom and simulcast on
TV3 in Ireland. The "X Factor" refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality.