X-Factor connects with national audience

Denmark's version of the X-Factor appears to have?the X-Factor. Every Friday night, some 1.7 million viewers - or a quarter of the population - tune in to the Danish version of the televised talent search, according to a survey by Fremantle Media.

The colossal ratings in one of the week's best time slots demonstrate that the show has struck a chord with audiences far better than versions appearing in other countries.

It's unclear whether Danes tune in to watch 16-year-old Martin's innocent smile as he moonwalks to Michael Jackson's 'Rock with You' or to hear the acerbic judge, Thomas Blachman, tear into the quirky Vocaloca quintet.

National broadcaster DR, which airs the show, is pleased with the results.

'I think it shows that Danes want to see programmes where judges don't just praise the participants,' said Jan Lagermand Lundme, head of DR's entertainment section. 'I think X-Factor's success demonstrates that having celebrities on the screen isn't crucial for Danes.'

When X-Factor aired on Spanish TV, less than six percent of the country bothered to watch. The British version of the show meanwhile registered the next best ratings after Denmark with 21.6 percent of the nation tuning in.

Lundme suggested that the Danish version of the show has qualities that helped it connect with audiences.

'I've seen several of the shows which have been made in other countries and I have to say that the Danish version seems more honest,' he said. 'The stories about the participants are better told, talents in Denmark are above average, and the three judges are more engaged than in other countries.'

(UF)