Opening Night Kicks Off the Journey to the Unipol Forum
Twelve competing acts took to the stage as the first live show of X Factor 2026 got underway at the X Factor Arena, marking the official start of the race toward the December 3 grand finale at the Unipol Forum in Assago, tg24.sky.it reported. Hosted by Giorgia, the Sky Original production—broadcast on Sky and streaming on NOW—features a judging panel composed of Paola Iezzi, Jake La Furia, Irama, and Francesco Gabbani.
The premiere featured two distinct cover rounds that tested the remaining contestants across four distinct teams. The evening ended with the elimination of Alice Fregoso from Gabbani’s squad after a tense double-round ballot, while special guest Marco Mengoni previewed new music ahead of his upcoming album release.
Judges Deploy Artists with Specific Cover Song Selections
The competition opened with each judge deploying their assigned artists through carefully chosen cover arrangements. Paola Iezzi’s roster fielded camilla performing Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”, the Mad-Dog taking on the Kasabian track “Club Foot”, and Manu delivering Achille Lauro’s “Incoscienti giovani”. Speaking about her experience, Manu noted that working with Paola helps contestants feel at ease.
Jake La Furia’s team countered with Alex Fontana singing the Blur classic “Song 2”, ALÌA performing Sienna Spiro’s “MAYBE.”, and Veronica tackling Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. Irama—debuting on the judging panel this season—guided the acoustic trio Le Distanze through Renato Zero’s “Il cielo”, Lenanie through Blanco’s “Blu celeste”, and Patrizia through James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s, World”. Finally, Francesco Gabbani oversaw Alice Fregoso singing Lucio Dalla’s “Piazza Grande”, Giacomo Calò performing Alex Warren’s “Ordinary”, and the group Scraffs delivering “What a Wonderful World” in the style of Joey Ramone.
Judges Clash Over Technical Precision and Emotion
As the competition intensified, the new judging panel quickly established distinct dynamics on the dais. Gabbani questioned Giacomo Calò’s emotional delivery during his performance of “Ordinary”. That strictness drew a lighthearted reprimand from fellow judge Jake La Furia, who told Gabbani he must have been looking elsewhere during the critique.
At the same time, newcomer Irama earned praise for championing raw, unpolished artistry over faultless technical delivery. Prior to Le Distanze taking the stage, Irama remarked that flaws form the most emotional part of any artist, arguing that early praise should not overshadow the natural terror that helps young performers grow.
Teo Bok Replaces Alice Fregoso via X Pass
Host Giorgia introduced a distinct twist to the opening night by exercising her authority over two special X Pass artists: Timothee Bonnardel and Teo Bok. After both performers presented their respective horse-for-course tracks, a flash televote from the home audience decided their fate. Teo Bok won the vote, securing a spot directly in the competition and filling the vacant slot in Francesco Gabbani’s team left by the evening’s first eliminated contestant, Alice Fregoso.
Despite the competitive stakes, the contestants maintained an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Marco Mengoni Previews New Album and Club Residency
Pop star Marco Mengoni appeared as the primary guest of the evening, delivering an unreleased set before showcasing his latest single, “Giornate perse”. The track serves as the lead single from his upcoming studio album, Happy yes, but all wrong, scheduled for release on December 11, 2026. Mengoni also discussed his upcoming creative direction role at the Milan offline club To the Wrong, which launches in November with a 26-date residency featuring live Italian and international music, comedy, reading sessions, stand-up, and DJ sets.
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