The second series of the Greek music talent show The X Factor began airing on ANT1 on 2 October 2009, and was won by Stavros Michalakakos of Limassol (Lemesos), Cyprus on 12 February 2010.
The series featured Eleftheria Eleftheriou and Ivi Adamou who both participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 representing Greece and Cyprus as well as Hovig who represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.
Public auditions by aspiring pop singers began in July 2009 and were held in three cities; Athens and Thessaloniki (Greece) and Larnaka (Cyprus).
However, the fact that despite their absence they automatically qualified for the next show, coupled with the elimination of a talented participant, sparked controversy.
The presenter, Sakis Rouvas, was obviously shocked and puzzled by Eleftheria's elimination and instantly offered her the opportunity to continue her career with him in his regular performances.