The Mad-Dog earn their place in the second Live of X Factor 2026. The Sassari band, on Paola Iezzi's team, make it through the first round of Thursday, October 22's show after opening the competition with “Club Foot” by Kasabian.
The audience saves Renato Marchisio, Davide Dore, Luca Pintus and Jacopo Sale, who therefore continue their journey on the talent show. In the bottom two, meanwhile, is Veronica Bruganelli, a contestant on Jake La Furia's team.
Mad-Dog open the competition with Club Foot by Kasabian
The four musicians from Sassari had the task of opening the first cover round, with public-vote code 01. Veronica, Giacomo Calò, Manu, Le Distanze and Alex Fontana also performed in the same group.
For their debut in the live shows, Mad-Dog brought another British rock touch to the stage: “Club Foot” by Kasabian, following Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand and The Killers in the selection rounds.
The judges had positive comments on the performance. Irama praised the group's energy and chemistry, while Francesco Gabbani appreciated their ability to combine precision with explosive energy. Jake La Furia also gave the live performance his approval.
Particularly pleased was Paola Iezzi, who praised the energy they brought to the stage after the tension of rehearsals and the wait backstage.
The public vote saves the band: Veronica in the bottom two
At the end of the first round came the most important confirmation: Mad-Dog are safe and advance to the second Live.
Their qualification means the band avoids the bottom two, where Veronica is sent instead. The result is now settled for the musicians from Sassari, while the show continues with the other performances and the next decisions in the competition.
After making it through the selections decided by the judges, they have now also passed their first test through the public vote.
From Last Calls to the next show
The evening adds another step to Mad-Dog's qualification for the Live shows on Paola Iezzi's team, earned with “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers.
With “Club Foot”, the four musicians continue the rock journey they have showcased since the Auditions and remain in the race for the X Factor 2026 final.
The next show is on Thursday, October 29, with the second Live on Sky Uno and streaming on NOW. A new week of preparation with Paola Iezzi now begins for Mad-Dog.