The X Factor: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The X Factor Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Elimination 3
Oct 25, 2008
The 10 remaining acts return to perform live for the third time. This week each act has to perform a Big Band song. The judges give their verdicts on what they have heard. At the e
Elimination 3 (Result)
Oct 25, 2008
The finalists performed a cover version of the Mariah Carey song "Hero" on behalf of the Help for Heroes charity. This song will be released as a download on Sunday 26 as a downloa
Elimination 4
Nov 1, 2008
Down to nine acts and the contestants must sing again for a place in next week's show. This week they must sing classic disco songs for the judges and the viewers at home. The view
Elimination 4 (Result)
Nov 1, 2008
Theme: Disco Celebrity Guest: Will Young Song performed by celebrity guest: Changes
Elimination 5
Nov 8, 2008
Dermot O'Leary hosts the fifth live show of the series. This week, the eight remaining acts meet Mariah Carey and must perform her songs for the judges and the viewers. The viewers
Elimination 5 (Result)
Nov 8, 2008
Theme: Mariah Carey Celebrity Guest: Mariah Carey Song performed by celebrity guest: TBA
Elimination 6 (Result)
Nov 15, 2008
Celebrity Guest: Leona Lewis Song performed by celebrity guest: "Run"
Elimination 8
Nov 29, 2008
Five acts remain in the competition and the acts must now perform 2 songs each. This week the theme is American Classics as the contestants perform for the viewers' votes. The two
Elimination 8 (Result)
Nov 29, 2008
Theme: Songs by Britney Spears and American Classics Song performed by celebrity guests: "Womanizer" (Britney Spears), "7 Things" (Miley Cyrus)
Series 5 - Elimination - 9
Dec 6, 2008
With only four acts remaining in the competition, we reach the 9th live show of the series. The contestants must each perform 2 songs for the viewers' votes. The 2 acts with the lo
Series 5 - The Final
Dec 13, 2008
There are only three acts remaining in this week's grand final. After auditions, boot camp, the mentors' houses and nine live shows, the three acts remaining in the competition sin