The international sensation, "The X Factor," has found its home in Uzbekistan, creating a musical extravaganza that captivates audiences and showcases the nation's diverse talents. FTV, a television channel in Uzbekistan, has taken the initiative to bring this iconic show to the local audience in partnership with FremantleMedia, a British company that holds the official rights to the format. The show promises not only to crown the best performer in the country but also to provide a platform for undiscovered talent to shine.
Judges' Star Power
The Uzbek version of "X-Factor" boasts a star-studded panel of judges, each bringing their unique perspective and expertise to the show. Lola Yuldasheva, a luminary in Uzbek show business, adds charm and fairness to the judging panel. Ravshan Kamilov, known for his impartial evaluations and vast experience, offers valuable insights to participants. Ibrokhim Akhmedov, the general producer of FTV, brings an unpredictable and truthful approach to the table. The fresh and inspiring perspective of Jasmine, a young and talented musician, completes the diverse lineup of judges.
The Journey to Stardom
The inaugural season of "X-Factor Uzbekistan" witnessed an overwhelming response from aspiring talents. The casting process, held in five major cities: Samarkand, Namangan, Bukhara, Khorezm, and Tashkent, attracted nearly 6,000 participants. Only the top 100 made it past the first judge's selection, entering the intense training camp. The journey continued with the challenging "Chairs" stage, where only 24 participants were divided into four categories: Guys, Girls, Over 25, and Collectives.
The Finalists
The culmination of the season brought forward three exceptional finalists: Shohruhkhon Halimkhanov mentored by Jasmine, Hayriniso Akbarova under the guidance of Lola Yuldasheva, and Javlon Sapayev, part of Ibrokhim Akhmedov's team. The live show on December 27 revealed Javlon Sapayev as the absolute winner, securing the title of the best performer in Uzbekistan. Hayriniso Akbarova claimed the second position in this musical showdown.
Javlon Sapayev's victory in "X-Factor Uzbekistan" comes with an impressive reward. In addition to earning the prestigious title of the best performer in the country, Sapayev will receive a substantial prize of UZS 100mn ($8,108).
Controversies and Criticisms
However, the success of "X-Factor Uzbekistan" did not come without its share of controversies. Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Culture, Bakhodir Akhmedov, voiced his criticism, expressing concerns about the show's quality, song choices, and the conduct of judge Ibrokhim Akhmedov. Renowned singer Shuhrat Daryo echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment for Uzbek art.
FTV's Response
In response, FTV took to Instagram to address the criticisms. They clarified that "X-Factor" is not a competition but a global show for amateur performers, evaluating various aspects beyond vocal abilities. The format follows international standards, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. The channel encouraged the Deputy Minister to watch a full episode to grasp the show's essence. FTV also clarified misconceptions about song choices, highlighting the participant's repertoire of parodies.
"X-Factor Uzbekistan" has made its mark in the country's entertainment landscape, providing a platform for aspiring talents to showcase their skills. Despite controversies, the show remains true to its international format, celebrating diversity and embracing amateur performers.
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