<Tr> <Th> Producer (s) </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Thames </Li> <Li> FremantleMedia </Li> <Li> Syco Entertainment </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> Thames </Li> <Li> FremantleMedia </Li> <Li> Syco Entertainment </Li> </Ul> <P> The X Factor is a television music competition franchise created by Simon Cowell . It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for Pop Idol (2001--03). It is held in various countries . The programmes are produced by executive producer Simon Cowell and his company SYCOtv . The "X Factor" of the title refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality . The prize is usually a recording contract, in addition to the publicity that appearance in the later stages of the show itself generates, not only for the winner but also for other highly ranked contestants . </P> <P> The similarities between The X Factor and Idols prompted Idol creator Simon Fuller, along with 19 Entertainment, to file a lawsuit against Cowell, SYCOtv, and FremantleMedia in 2004 . An out - of - court settlement was reached in 2005 allowing Fuller to gain a 10% share in The X Factor format, and preventing an American version until 2010 . Fuller later filed another lawsuit in 2011, claiming that he had also been promised that he would be credited as an executive producer of The X Factor USA, but that Syco, FremantleMedia, and Fox Broadcasting Company had failed to fulfill that promise; that lawsuit is pending . </P>

What is the prize for winning the x factor