X Factor: Talk of a Romance Between Contestants Veronica and Manu
Listen to the story
X Factor 2026 held its second Live Show, an episode broadcast live on television where contestants perform and face possible elimination.
During the show, judges Jake La Furia and Paola Iezzi suggested that two contestants, Veronica Bruganelli and Manu, might be having a romantic relationship.
The judges gave several hints about this during the broadcast, including a comment that the pair were 'busy with something' inside the contestants' house.
This remark made viewers and media wonder whether there is a real flirtation happening between the two singers outside of their performances.
In the same episode, Veronica Bruganelli was eliminated from the competition, meaning she can no longer continue in the show.
Another contestant, Teo Bok, gave a strong performance of the song 'Don't Stop Me Now'. His performance was described as a great success, helping him stay in the race for the final prize.
X Factor is a well-known talent show where singers compete for a record deal and public recognition. Each week, judges and the public decide who stays and who leaves.
As the competition continues, attention remains divided between the musical performances and the personal stories developing among the contestants, such as the rumoured relationship between Veronica and Manu.
Vocabulary9 words
- Live Show
- a TV program broadcast as it happens
- contestants
- people competing in a show
- elimination
- being removed from a competition
- romantic relationship
- a loving connection between two people
- hints
- small clues given instead of clear information
- flirtation
- playful behaviour showing romantic interest
- race
- a competition to win something
- talent show
- a show where people show their skills, like singing
- record deal
- an agreement to make and sell music
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Quiz
Answer key
1. That Veronica and Manu might be in a romantic relationship 2. She was eliminated 3. A great success
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
X Factor 2026 held its second _____, an episode broadcast live on television where contestants perform and face possible _____.
During the show, judges Jake La Furia and Paola Iezzi suggested that two contestants, Veronica Bruganelli and Manu, might be having a _____.
The judges gave several _____ about this during the broadcast, including a comment that the pair were 'busy with something' inside the contestants' house.
This remark made viewers and media wonder whether there is a real _____ happening between the two singers outside of their performances.
In the same episode, Veronica Bruganelli was _____ from the competition, meaning she can no longer continue in the show.
Another contestant, Teo Bok, gave a strong performance of the song 'Don't Stop Me Now'. His performance was described as a great success, helping him stay in the _____ for the final prize.
X Factor is a well-known _____ where singers compete for a _____ and public recognition.
Discussion questions
- Do you think talent shows should focus on contestants' personal lives, like possible romances? Why or why not?
- Why do you think audiences are interested in relationships between contestants on reality shows?
- How do you think being eliminated from a live TV show might feel for a contestant?
- What makes a musical performance memorable or successful, in your opinion?
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