The trio will not only judge the artists, but will also serve as mentors, coaching “their” candidates and working with them to improve their voice, styling and performance. In this way, even the judges compete in the keenly awaited X Factor contest.
"When I learned that the X Factor judges would be mentoring the contestants and supporting and coaching them in their development for a period of several weeks, I was immediately delighted,” says Sarah Connor (29) about her new role at Vox. “I’m excited to find new artists and give them a real chance. I look forward to this new challenge and above all I hope to see some great new talent, who will ideally establish themselves long-term in the music market.” With five consecutive number-one hits, nearly 40 gold and platinum records, and over five million recordings sold worldwide, Sarah Connor is regarded as a fixture in pop music.
Sarah Connor, Till Brönner and George Glueck
Jazz musician/jazz professor Till Brönner (38) has for many years been an institution in the international music business, in a wide range of genres: the Grammy nominee and three-time Echo winner produces and composes for the likes of Hildegard Knef, James Last, Sergio Mendes, Udo Lindenberg and Annie Lennox. He has shared the stage with superstars like Dave Brubeck, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett. "I look forward to X Factor because working with young talent provides constant inspiration for me as well,” says Brönner. “Music is the most easily understood language in the world. In fact, for some artists it’s the only language.”
Producer George Glueck, 59, completes the jury threesome. As founder of the successful German label “X-cell Records,” his unerring instincts as a producer, publisher and manager have helped him take outstanding artists like Rio Reiser, Melanie Thornton, I + I, H-Blockx, Sarah Connor and Falco to the top of the charts time and again. “We are exploring entirely new paths with the X Factor auditions in Germany,” says Glueck. “I hope that, in the end, winning the show and topping the charts will mark the beginning of a long career as a performer for one of my candidates.”
Jochen Schropp, 31, will moderate the show for Vox and RTL Television. The 31-year-old music fan, who has studied voice himself (Musical and Pop) has many years of stage experience. Schropp’s assignments as a moderator have included the live moderation of the Love Parade and the “Kurzfilmbären” awards at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival. He is also a widely-known actor, familiar from many TV movies and series including Polizeiruf 110 and Sternenfänger.
Jochen Schropp
Anyone interested in competing on X Factor can submit their application on Vox.de until 29 March 2010. In Germany, X Factor is produced for Vox by Grundy Light Entertainment. RTL Television will broadcast the season kick-off.