THE X FACTOR's 'Boot Camp' Begins on FOX 10/3 & 4

Related: THE X FACTOR, Reality TV, FOX

The 120 contestants who survived the first audition round on THE X FACTOR will travel to Miami, FL, for "Boot Camp," where they will face the judges during two intense performance phases, including solo performances and duets.

On the first night of "Boot Camp" airing Wednesday, Oct. 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the contestants will perform a solo of their choice. It's survival of the fittest X FACTOR-style, as those who survive the solo round are put into groups of two by the judges. The pairs then have less than 24 hours to prepare for a sing-off against the other duos in hopes of impressing the judges on Thursday, Oct. 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Additionally, the all-star guest mentors appearing in the upcoming "Judges' Homes" round will be revealed at the end of the episode.

"Boot Camp" is the epitome of tough. Friends don't count and it's every man for himself, as contestants are critiqued not only on their singing, but on their choreography and overall performance style and ability. Viewers also will get to witness backstage rivalries between the singers, and even though contestants are staying in one of the swankiest hotels in South Beach, this is NOT a vacation – at least not for most of them.

On Wednesday, Oct. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, the remaining contestants learn their fate – as the 24 acts that make it through "Boot Camp" are revealed and earn a place in one of four mentored categories, moving on to the "Judges' Homes" round. THE X FACTOR producers inform the judges – Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid and Britney Spears – with the category that each of them will mentor and they will each begin working with their six acts.

The "Judges' Homes" round continues on Thursday, Oct. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Oct. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), as the semifinalists must convince their mentor that they have what it takes to compete in the live shows.

THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Nigel Hall are executive producers for Syco Television. Trish Kinane, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America. "Like" THE X FACTOR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #xfactor.