X Factor was a Dutch television music talent show contested by aspiring pop singers drawn from public auditions.
In the initial televised audition phase of the show, contestants sang in front of the X Factor judges in the hope of getting through to the "boot camp".
After a further selection process, the judges were each given a category to mentor and the chosen finalists then progress to the second phase of the competition in which the public vote on live performances.
Judges have included pop singer and television host Gordon Heuckeroth, former Dolly Dots member Angela Groothuizen, Rapper Ali Bouali, and Alto saxophonist Candy Dulfer.
The show was primarily concerned with identifying singing talent, through appearance, personality, stage presence and dance routines are also an important element of many performances.
In the official X Factor rules, the role of the jury is to ensure that any exceptional singing talents make it through, judging solely on the voice quality of the contestants.
Gordon had voted off Sumera Espinel Martinez because he felt her facial expressions (he perceived them as being too arrogant) were not fitting for a potential winner, as his own personal judgment.
Sumera Espinel Martinez had received a great majority of the votes, in comparison to her fellow Bottom Two contestant Kelvin.
Gordon's voting off of Sumera heaved great controversy among viewers; various petitions were created boycotting the show, and criticizing its format.
[2][permanent dead link] At the start of the show following the controversy, hosts Wendy and Martijn clearly remarked that Gordon's absence had nothing to do with Sumera's elimination.
[3] Henkjan Smits, famous for himself being a previous X-Factor and Idols judge, remarked that he found this year's candidates "below average."