The X Factor launched in 2004 in the UK. Airing on ITV1, The X Factor has been the No 1 show in the UK for eight years, with the 2010 finale achieving a peak of 21.2 million viewers, and a 65% share.

ENGADGET: Sony and Simon Cowell intro X Factor-themed MDR-X10, celebrity headphones officially jump the shark for $300

Local versions of The X Factor are now produced in more than 41 territories and artists discovered by The X Factor format have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 No 1's, 270 Top 10 records, and 501 Top 50 releases.

ENGADGET: Sony and Simon Cowell intro X Factor-themed MDR-X10, celebrity headphones officially jump the shark for $300

As the official headphone partner of THE X FACTOR, the new X Headphones will be seen in episodes throughout the season as well as featured in a key in-show integration.

ENGADGET: Sony and Simon Cowell intro X Factor-themed MDR-X10, celebrity headphones officially jump the shark for $300