What Really Happened On The X Factor (And Can It Ever Come Back?)

The X Factor made Lucy Spraggan, Jahméne Douglas and Rak-Su’s Myles Stephenson famous overnight, but what really happened behind the scenes of Simon Cowell’s hit TV show? Years later, they revisit their iconic auditions, the promises of fame and the moments that changed their lives in ways they never expected. Lucy looks back at a decision that changed the course of her music career, the pressure she faced behind the cameras, and why she feels she lost herself for a decade. Jahméne reflects on having his painful childhood turned into a television storyline, and the struggle of watching millions of people form an opinion of someone he didn't recognise. Myles revisits Rak-Su’s whirlwind rise to fame, Simon Cowell’s plans for the band, and the darker reality of life after winning The X Factor. Together, they reflect on the relationships, manipulation and difficult experiences that shaped their time on the show, questioning how much of what viewers saw was ever real. Returning to the auditions where it all began, this is a raw and nostalgic look at the true cost of fame, told with the hindsight they never had at the time. Lucy, Jahméne & Myles, We Need To Talk This episode includes discussions of domestic abuse and sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been affected, please explore the support resources below and consider donating to help these organisations continue their vital work: Women’s Aid: https://linkly.link/2xInX Refuge: https://linkly.link/2xIqZ MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Follow us here:   / needtotalk     / weneedtotalkpod   Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Brand partnerships enquiries: partnerships@flightstory.com Follow here: Lucy:   / lspraggan   Jahméne:   / jahmeneofficial   Myles:   / mylesraksu   00:00 Intro 02:18 The X Factor: What We Gained and Lost 06:15 The X Factor Audition Process 37:57 Organised Ad 39:17 Who Owns the Songs? 45:41 Watching Our X Factor Auditions 52:32 How X Factor Created Characters 01:06:11 X Factor Contestant Welfare 01:14:39 The Truth About the X Factor Judges 01:23:58 Classism on The X Factor 01:28:57 The X Factor Contracts Explained 01:30:49 Dealing With the Press 01:38:26 The Best Moments on X Factor 01:43:35 Behind The X Factor Final 01:47:24 Nicole Scherzinger's Mic-Snatch Moment 01:53:09 Viral X Factor YouTube Clips 01:55:42 Why Lucy Left X Factor Early 02:07:51 X Factor Blacklisting and the 'Curse' 02:16:02 Myles' Life After X Factor 02:37:12 Would We Do X Factor Again? 02:38:28 Should The X Factor Return? 02:43:27 Paul's Key Takeaways Sponsored by: Organised - Use code TALK for 15% off at https://www.organised.co/talk Sync-ID: MB01HN7D5XRWXRN