In the Sky Original show produced by Fremantle broadcast every Thursday on Sky and streaming on NOW, hosted by Giorgia and with the four judges Paola Iezzi, Jake La Furia, Irama and Francesco Gabbani, the 4 teams with the 12 official competitors faced two heats, at the end of which the least voted Lenanie and Veronica challenged each other in the run-off. In the end, Veronica had to leave the race. Super guest MEEK.
Giorgia opened the second Live Show of X Factor 2026 with her song We are the exception. The presenter then introduced the judges Paola Iezzi, Jake La Furia, Irama and Francesco Gabbani and the mechanism of the evening: two heats with six artists each. The two least voted went to a run-off and the judges decided their fate.
The Mad-Dog of Paola Iezzi's team opened the first heat and performed the song Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel in the version of The Lemonheads. Despite a small technical problem, the group won over the audience and the judges. "You were very good. You have the usual crazy energy", commented their judge.
After taking lessons in walking in heels, ALÌA from Jake La Furia's team sang the song Hola (I Say) by Marco Mengoni feat. Tom Walker. "You are credible in both versions, in Italian and in English", commented Paola Iezzi. “I am convinced that you can become a great pop star,” Irama said. “You did great,” concluded his judge.
The Scraffs of Francesco Gabbani's team played the song Charlie fa surf by Baustelle. "For the second time I had a "meh" effect. I lacked the power of the vocal part and you became bourgeois. I wish you would make more noise", commented Jake La Furia. "There's a little piece missing", echoed Paola Iezzi. “They play naked, pure and raw like a punk rock band,” their judge replied.
Lenanie from the Irama team rewrote the lyrics of the song C'è tempo by Ivano Fossati. "You have a remarkable interpretative intensity, but you have changed almost the entire text", commented Francesco Gabbani. “He touched the verses with elegance and respect,” his judge replied. "It's right for a songwriter to express what he has to say." The two judges opened a debate, which was then closed by Jake La Furia: "I congratulate you on your writing".
Giacomo Calò from Francesco Gabbani's team brought the mashup of the songs Diavolo in me and X guilt di chi? of Sugar. “Vocally, ruthless as always,” commented Jake La Furia.
Patrizia from the Irama team sang the song UNHETICAL by Faouzia. "It thrilled me less than the other performances", commented Francesco Gabbani. “I hate her because she's too strong,” joked Jake La Furia. "In addition to having a very powerful voice, you have a great desire to work and grow", concluded your judge.
Super guest was MEEK, the pop project of the English singer, songwriter and producer Georgia Meek, who made everyone dance with the pop punk song Fabulous. “After so many years of work, I was absolutely ready,” the artist said. In 2027 he will release the new album and also has a tour planned with a stop in Italy.
Giacomo Calò, Mad-Dog, Patrizia, ALÌA and Scraffs passed the second Live Show. Lenanie instead went to the runoff.
The Irama team's Distances opened the second heat with the song New York, New York by Liza Minnelli. "Excellent performance", commented Francesco Gabbani. “I noticed a big glow-up too,” confirmed Jake La Furia.
Veronica from Jake La Furia's team brought out the grit in the song Total Eclypse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. “You took the stage and the scene, even though it was a very difficult piece,” commented Irama.
Manu from Paola Iezzi's team sang the song I romantici by Tommaso Paradiso. “For a 19-year-old, you're making some good strides,” Francesco Gabbani said. “I have a soft spot for you,” his judge confirmed.
Teo Bok, new entry in Francesco Gabbani's team, debuted on stage with the rewritten lyrics of the song I Wish by Stevie Wonder. "The level of singing and entertainment is very good", commented Jake La Furia. "Instead, I hope to never hear rap again in my entire life!"
Camilla from Paola Iezzi's team sang the song As the World Caves In by Matt Maltese. "When you sing, you are disarming. You are truly special," Irama commented. Francesco Gabbani applauded: "You are wonderful". His judge concluded: "You have opened not only my heart, but also those of my colleagues."
Alex Fontana from Jake La Furia's team performed the song Street Spirit (Fade Out) by Radiohead. "I liked you a lot", commented Paola Iezzi. "It was your best performance. I heard the color of your voice," Irama reiterated. “He rocked,” his judge concluded.
Alex Fontana, Camilla, Teo Bok, Manu and Le Distanze passed the round. Veronica instead went to the runoff against Lenanie.
Lenanie sang her warhorse, Cambia unuomo by Marco Mengoni.
Veronica sang her signature song, You Stole the Show by Sienna Spiro.
Jake La Furia eliminated Lenanie, while Irama, Paola Iezzi and Francesco Gabbani eliminated Veronica, who definitively left X Factor 2026.
