X Factor 2026 Returns with Second Live Show and Guest MEEK

The 2026 edition of X Factor returns for its second Live Show, bringing twelve contestants back to the X Factor Arena stage for a night of performances divided into two distinct rounds. Hosted by Giorgia on Sky Uno and streaming on NOW, the competition resets following a dramatic opening week that saw the elimination of contestant Alice Fregoso and the return of Teo Bok to Francesco Gabbani's team.

Judges Francesco Gabbani, Irama, Jake La Furia, and Paola Iezzi enter the second week with three artists each. The evening features a classic competitive format where contestants perform across two rounds of cover songs. At the end of each stage, the lowest-voted acts face a final showdown evaluated by the judges. A majority vote determines who is eliminated, while a split decision triggers a 200-second televote period known as the Tilt.

The song assignments for the evening span a wide array of genres and eras. Francesco Gabbani assigned Giacomo Calò a Zucchero mashup, the Scraffs a Baustelle track, and Teo Bok a Stevie Wonder classic. Irama's team takes on diverse material, with Le Distanze performing a Liza Minnelli standard, Lenanie singing an Ivano Fossati piece, and Patrizia covering a recent song by Faouzia.

Jake La Furia selected alternative and pop-rock numbers for his roster, giving Alex Fontana a Radiohead song, ALÌA a Marco Mengoni and Tom Walker duet, and Veronica a Bonnie Tyler hit. Meanwhile, Paola Iezzi's lineup includes Camilla tackling a Matt Maltese tune, the young band Mad-Dog performing a Simon & Garfunkel classic popularized by the Lemonheads, and Manu interpreting a recent track by Tommaso Paradiso.

Adding to the lineup, British singer, songwriter, and producer Georgia Meek brings her pop project MEEK as the special guest of the evening. Recognized for her bold vamp pop style and viral success with the track Fabulous, the artist performs on the X Factor stage following widespread international radio airplay and millions of digital streams.

Viewers can follow the competition through multiple weekly programming additions, including Ante Factor hosted by Mariasole Pollio, the daily behind-the-scenes updates on X Factor Daily, and the weekly review program Road To X Factor. Live broadcasts air on Sky Uno and NOW, with delayed free-to-air broadcasts scheduled on TV8 and Cielo.

Fans can participate in the outcome by voting for their favorite acts during active televoting windows. Voting is accessible online through the official website, via the dedicated mobile application, or directly through interactive features on compatible Sky television remote controls.