Has Seven’s X-Factor Been Axed For 2017?

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Sources from The Music Network have claimed The X Factor Australia has been nixed for the foreseeable future and won’t be going ahead in 2017.

TMN understands the Seven Network hasn’t signed the talent show on at this point, with a Seven representative saying, “No decision has been made yet”. Typically, the network would have done so already by this stage of the year.

Sources have said that due to declining ratings of the show, the network is in discussions about a replacement TV show, either in or outside the realms of music, and that it is currently considering a ‘love’ genre reality show for the spot.

The Seven Network usually hypes the show in its programming show-reel. However, its annual list of programming, released on October 26, doesn’t feature The X Factor Australia. Crucially, The X Factor was included in Seven’s 2016 programming in October 2015 (SMH) and again in its 2015 programming list.

Seven told TMN it hasn’t commenced the audition process for The X Factor.

TMN reached out to the show’s producer, Fremantle Media, but was told the programming of the show is the sole decision of the Seven Network.

Despite featuring Adam Lambert, Iggy Azalea, Mel B and Guy Sebastian as judges this year, ratings for the eighth season of the show have seen metro audience numbers drop. Overnight ratings went from approximately 900,000 viewers in Week 1 when it ranked 8^th on the night, to just under 697,000 viewers, ranking 11th (OzTAM).

Last year’s grand finale, which crowned Cyrus as the overall winner, averaged 1.204 million viewers, but even that was under half the 2.431 million that tuned in to see Dami Im win in 2013.

This year’s X Factor debuted a shorter format to the past seven seasons, seeing the show span just eight weeks, as opposed to 11 in 2014, and nine in 2015.

According to a report by News.com.au in February, the Seven Network were considering axing the current season of the show until 2017. Seven director of programming Angus Ross said at the time: “You always want a show to rate to what its true potential is. Last year we wanted the show to have done better.”

The grand final of the current season airs on Sunday at 8.00pm and Monday at 7.30pm. South-east Queensland artist Davey Woder, Melbourne high school student Amalia Foy, Moama performer Isaiah Firebrace and Sydney-based artist Vlado Saric will battle it out for a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.

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