The Mad-Dog also make it through the second Live of X Factor 2026. On Thursday, October 29, the band from Sassari secures safety through the public vote after performing Mrs. Robinson, avoiding the sing-off and securing a place in the next live show.
A result achieved despite a technical issue with the vocals, which became unusually high-pitched during the performance. The mishap did not affect the panel’s verdict: all four judges gave the performance by the group mentored by Paola Iezzi the thumbs-up.
Mrs. Robinson and the unexpected vocal issue
For their second live show, Mad-Dog took on the classic by Simon & Garfunkel, drawing inspiration from the version by the Lemonheads. When assigning Mrs. Robinson, Paola Iezzi had asked the band to bring the two versions together, linking the spirit of the song to the sensibility of the present day.
During the performance, an audio glitch made the singer’s voice sound higher, with an effect similar to the one commonly associated with helium. The incident was also noticed by Francesco Gabbani, who asked at the end whether it was intentional or a technical issue.
The band handled the mishap while still winning the judges’ approval. Paola Iezzi highlighted their ability to deal with the problem, saying she was pleased with her musicians’ performance.
Judges give the band the thumbs-up: compared to the Beatles and the Hives
Irama praised Mad-Dog’s energy and cohesion, saying he enjoyed listening to them play and complimenting their choice of song. It was an entirely positive verdict, with no particular criticism of the performance.
Gabbani reiterated that the group was talented and that their version worked well, comparing the band to a meeting of The Beatles and The Hives. Even after asking about the vocal effect, he reaffirmed his positive assessment of the performance.
Jake La Furia renewed the praise he had given them in previous weeks, emphasizing the group’s strength when playing live. Paola Iezzi, for her part, expressed her full satisfaction, recognizing that Mad-Dog had handled the technical difficulty very well.
The public vote saves Mad-Dog; Lenanie faces the sing-off
At the end of the round, the public rewarded the four contestants from Sassari: Mad-Dog are safe, along with Giacomo Calò, Patrizia, ALÌA and Scraffs. Lenanie is the one to face the sing-off.
After making it through the first Live with Kasabian’s Club Foot, they have now secured a second reprieve through the public vote. The verdict is in for Mad-Dog: their X Factor 2026 journey continues, without having to fight to stay in the competition.