PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonight, Pepsi and THE X FACTOR introduced "The Pepsi Challenge," which gives fans an opportunity to help choose one of the songs that each of the remaining finalists will perform LIVE on THE X FACTOR, Wednesday, Dec. 7 (8:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Between now (Thursday, Dec. 1, at 8:00 PM ET) and noon, tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 2, at 12:00 PM ET), fans can choose one of three songs they would like to see each of the remaining finalists perform on THE X FACTOR. Fans can make their song selections at www.TheXFactorUSA.com.

"Pepsi is challenging fans to think like one of THE X FACTOR judges by choosing a song they'd like to see the finalists perform," said Frank Cooper, CMO Global Consumer Engagement, PepsiCo Beverages. "It's a big responsibility at this stage in the competition and one we think THE X FACTOR fans are ready for."

This is the second major Pepsi initiative that has been integrated into THE X FACTOR.  Both integrations have given consumers the opportunity to participate in a performance aspect of the show. Pepsi's first major integration, "Pepsi Choice Performance," which aired on Wednesday, Nov. 23, gave fans the opportunity to select elements of a group performance by the finalists that ranged from song selection and wardrobe, to dance style, props and sound effects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sskNZInfUM

Fans can log on to www.TheXFactorUSA.com now to help the remaining finalists choose one of their next performances.

Song selections are as follows:

DREW:
"Secrets" - OneRepublic
"Wherever You Will Go" - The Calling
"Breakeven" - The Script

MELANIE AMARO:
"Hero" - Mariah Carey
"I Didn't Know My Own Strength" - Whitney Houston
"The Voice Within" - Christina Aguilera

RACHEL CROW:
"Forget You" – Cee Lo Green
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Marvin Gaye
"Valerie" - Amy Winehouse

ASTRO:
"Gold Digger" – Kanye West
"Mama Said Knock You Out/Stop Looking At My Mom" - LL Cool J
"Dirt Off My Shoulder" - Jay Z

CHRIS RENE:
"My Love Is Your Love" - Whitney Houston
"Angel" - Shaggy
"Fly" - Sugar Ray

MARCUS CANTY:
"We Belong Together" - Mariah Carey
"Saving All My Love For You" –Whitney Houston
"I'll Make Love to You" - Boyz II Men

JOSH KRAJCIK:
"Chasing Pavements" - Adele
"Everytime You Go Away" - Hall & Oates
"Come Together" - The Beatles

Tune in Wednesdays (8:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to THE X FACTOR as the remaining acts, with the help of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger, battle it out for America's votes, THE X FACTOR title, a $5 million dollar recording contract with Syco/Sony Music and an iconic Pepsi commercial. Visit THE X FACTOR at www.TheXFactorUSA.com, for up-to-the-minute news, videos and information. Become a fan of THE X FACTOR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #XFactor.

Show format subject to change at discretion of producers.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales each. Our main businesses -- Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, and Pepsi Cola -- also make hundreds of other enjoyable and wholesome foods and beverages that are respected household names throughout the world. With net revenues of approximately $60 billion, PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also, means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo's promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment, including by conserving energy and water usage, and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support, and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

About THE X FACTOR

THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.  

THE X FACTOR has aired in over 25 territories including Australia, Belgium, France, Colombia, The Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Turkey and the U.K.. The show was the No. 1 program in the U.K., with a peak audience of 17.7 million viewers, and with the finale achieving a peak audience of 21 million and a 65% audience share. The format has also been the No. 1 program in Denmark for the last four years, watched by 40% of the population. In 2010, THE X FACTOR was the No. 1 program in Hungary, the No. 1 entertainment show on VOX in Germany, and the No. 1 program in Finland for young adults (15-34). In 2009, THE X FACTOR was the No. 1 entertainment program for young adults (15-34) on W9 in France, the No. 1 entertainment show in Greece for Antenna and in Italy on Rai2, and the No. 1 program in The Netherlands on RTL4 for young adults (20-34). In some markets, THE X FACTOR has increased the channel average demographic by up to 250%.

The format has received numerous honors worldwide, including three BAFTA awards, numerous NTA awards and the coveted Rose d'Or. In the U.K., an unprecedented 1.5 million iTunes downloads were made from THE X FACTOR contestant performances in 2010. Globally, more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 No. 1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.