[2] The show was presented by Alessandro Cattelan,[3] with spin-off Xtra Factor hosted by Max Novaresi and Brenda Lodigiani.

The winner was Francesca Michielin, mentored by Ventura,[5] and her debut single "Distratto" was released as a digital EP the day after the final, together with the ones by the remaining Top 6 contestants.

The final took place on 5 January 2012 and it was watched by 1,048,358 people, making it the highest rated show to be broadcast by Sky Uno.

[10] The fifth edition maintained the new formula with four judges return to the jury Simona Ventura and Morgan, were confirmed Elio and newcomer Arisa.

Just as in the previous edition, at time of disposal, if there were to be a tie, will be used to tilt or to a televoting period of 200 seconds that will decide the eliminated.