The X Factor is an Australian television reality music competition, based on the original UK series, to find new singing talent; the winner of which received a recording contract with record label Sony Music Australia.

The season was presented by Luke Jacobz, while spin-off show The Xtra Factor was hosted by Natalie Garonzi on 7Two.

The second season had sparked controversy, including Childs' disappearance from the show and claims of a clash between the Girls.

The grand final decider was watched by 1.63 million people, making it the highest rated television episode of the series.

[1] However, on 22 August, it was revealed that Newton had withdrawn as the host of the show after an altercation in Rome with his now ex-girlfriend Rachael Taylor.

[8][9] On 28 August 2010, it was announced that radio presenter Natalie Garonzi would host the spin-off show The Xtra Factor on 7Two.

[10] The bootcamp stage of the competition began on 25 June 2010 in the Big Top at Luna Park, Sydney.

Each judge took their six acts to exclusive locations around the world to experience the life of a superstar, introduce them to international artists and set the stage to inspire them to give the performance of a lifetime.

Imbruglia's Girls travelled to Necker Island to meet Richard Branson, while Keating's Over 25s visited his home town of Dublin, where they met up with his Boyzone bandmates.

[14] On 21 October, Childs spoke with guest host Keating and Jackie O on radio station 2Day FM to set the record straight about his disappearance.

[15] He explained: "It kind of hit me randomly at about 2 am that I had to reconnect with part of my sadness, it’s my secret power it’s what drives me through the song and ignites that part of me, it’s got to do with sadness, I needed to go back to somewhere where I felt an intimate romantic thing with an ancient memory and it worked.

[16] The girls mentor Imbruglia stepped in and reportedly told Madderom "you can't act like this in public" and "you have to be professional.

"[16] The premiere episode on 30 August 2010 achieved an audience of 1,186,000 and placed fifth overall for the night,[17] being beaten by A Current Affair's interview with Patty and Bert Newton, the parents of former X Factor host Matthew Newton, about his exit from the show due to his alleged attack on his former girlfriend Rachel Taylor.

[21] The live grand final decider show on 22 November 2010 reached an audience of 1,833,000 and topped the night's overall ratings.