X Factor 2026, the contestants in the race

The twentieth edition of X Factor is in full swing. After the Auditions, the first episode of Bootcamp aired on October 1, 2026 , on Sky Uno , promoting 13 artists to the Last Call. The Live Shows will begin on Thursday, October 22, at the Teatro Repower in Milan.

How the selection works

The Sky talent show restarted on Thursday, September 10th in prime time on Sky Uno , channel 108, at 9:15 pm . The first three episodes are dedicated to the X Factor 2026 auditions , with the three-yes rule required to advance; then two Bootcamp episodes and finally the Last Calls. Giorgia is still at the helm , in her third consecutive year as host.

The most anticipated new addition is the judging panel. Alongside the confirmed Francesco Gabbani , Jake La Furia , and Paola Iezzi , Irama arrives , replacing Achille Lauro. Gabbani is serving for his second season, while Jake La Furia and Paola Iezzi have each served for three seasons . Iezzi returns as the reigning champion, following Rob 's victory last year. The complete picture is in the X Factor 2026 judges profile.

Those who don't have Sky can catch up: TV8 airs the episodes free-to-air on Tuesdays , while Cielo repeats them on Wednesdays . The show is also available for streaming on NOW and on demand on Sky Go . The first episode of Bootcamp will be broadcast free-to-air on Tuesday 6 October at 9:30 pm on TV8 and Wednesday 7 October at 9:20 pm on Cielo . Channels and times are collected in the guide on where to watch X Factor 2026 on TV and streaming.

Gabbani's First Bootcamp and X Pass

Twenty-three contestants took turns on the stage at the Allianz Cloud in Milan . To advance, the four judges needed unanimous approval , a daunting challenge that left ten contestants on the sidelines in a single evening. The episode drew a total audience of 760,000 viewers and a 3,8% share on Sky Uno.

The most applauded moment came from Giacomo Calò , a 22-year-old from Nardò in the province of Lecce. His version of Mia Martini's "Almeno tu nell'universo" won over Francesco Gabbani , who spent his X Pass on him and brought him directly to his team at the Last Call. It was the only direct pass played that evening.

The 13 contestants promoted to Last Call

Eight artists received four yeses without needing an X Pass. Among them was the Turin band Neyja , made up of four young people aged between 25 and 26 : Giorgia, Diego, Alberto and Samuele, who performed “Gimme All Your Love” by Alabama Shakes.

Then there was room for solo voices. Lorena Luca , a 19-year-old from Giarre in the province of Catania, thrilled with “Scars To Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara ; Veronica Bruganelli , a 20-year-old from Fano , impressed with “You Stole The Show” . Alice Fregoso , an 18-year-old from Genoa , sang “La leva calcistica della classe '68” by Francesco De Gregori, accompanying herself on the piano.

The audience also responded well to Matteo Marcus Bok , a 23-year-old from Milan living in Miami, who performed “Moves Like Jagger .” Among the groups was Mad-Dog , a band from Sassari made up of four young people aged between 17 and 20 , who got the stage going with “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand.

Tuscany is represented by Giorgia Cappelletti , a 26-year-old from Bagno a Ripoli near Florence, who will perform Paolo Nutini's "Iron Sky ." From Campania comes 21-year-old Patrizia Napolano , from Giuliano in Campania, near Naples, who chose the Jennifer Hudson version of "Golden Slumbers" by the Beatles .

On the unreleased front, Angelo Caianiello , aka “Angelo DT1” , a 24-year-old from Naples, did well with the song “Ma nun vir?!” , and Vito Damiano , a 22-year-old from Verzino in the province of Crotone, with “Pensami” . Rounding out the list are 27-year-old Venetian Nicola Trois , who impressed with “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak , and the Milanese band Rawstrings , five guys aged 20 to 28.

Who was left out

The verdict was harsh for ten contestants. Noele , Davide De Luca , Iana Maria Bomc , SkeyE and Stefano Camuffo were eliminated . Angela Cotterle , Benedetta Stigi , Miryam Belfiore and the group Hey Darling! were also eliminated , along with Klem and Napoli Sotterranea.

What happens now

• 1 October: first Bootcamp on Sky Uno
• 8 October: second Bootcamp on Sky and NOW
• 15 OctoberLast Call, the teams are formed
• 22 OctoberLive Shows begin at the Repower Theater in Milan
• 3th December: final at the Unipol Forum in Assago

The Bootcamp era isn't over yet. The second installment airs Thursday, October 8th on Sky and NOW , again hosted by Giorgia . That episode will introduce the latest artists promoted to the Last Call on October 15th and reveal how Irama, Jake La Furia, and Paola Iezzi will use their X Passes.

Then it will be the turn of the three-chair mechanism and the switches . In the end, twelve artists will remain , divided into four teams of three , ready for the Live Shows on October 22nd . The final goal remains the final on December 3rd at the Unipol Forum in Assago , where the winner of the 20th edition will be announced . Dates and locations are in the guide on when the X Factor Live shows start in 2026.

FAQ

Who are the judges of X Factor 2026? The panel is made up of Irama, Francesco Gabbani, Jake La Furia, and Paola Iezzi , with Giorgia hosting.

When do the Live Shows start? From Thursday, October 22, 2026 , at the Repower Theater in Milan.

When is the final? Thursday, December 3, 2026 , at the Unipol Forum in Assago.

Who got the X Pass in the first Bootcamp? Francesco Gabbani , to bring Giacomo Calò onto the team.

Where can you watch X Factor 2026 free-to-air? On TV8 on Tuesdays and on Cielo on Wednesdays.