Mad-Dog will perform David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” at the third Live show of X Factor 2026, scheduled for Thursday, November 5. The new song assignment from Paola Iezzi came during Monday, November 2’s Daily, ahead of the special Jukebox Night.
For the young band from Sassari, made up of Renato Marchisio, Davide Dore, Luca Pintus and Jacopo Sale, this is another rock challenge, but this time the judge is asking for something more: greater sensuality on stage, attention to their image, and the ability to convey the song’s message of freedom.
David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel”: Mad-Dog’s reaction
Paola Iezzi’s announcement was met with enthusiasm by the four musicians from Sassari, who immediately recognized the significance of the song she had chosen.
The band members expressed their admiration for David Bowie, whom they consider a true music legend, and their delight at being able to perform one of his songs on the X Factor stage.
But their enthusiasm is also accompanied by a sense of responsibility. Performing Bowie means taking on an artist who made his mark on rock history, while trying to honor his legacy without giving up their own musical identity.
Released in 1974 and included on the album Diamond Dogs, Rebel Rebel is one of the best-known songs from Bowie’s glam rock period, featuring an instantly recognizable guitar riff and lyrics that celebrate nonconformity.
Paola Iezzi: more sensuality and a message that is still relevant
During the song assignment, Paola Iezzi focused above all on the song’s meaning, pointing out how a track released more than fifty years ago can still convey a contemporary message.
The judge highlighted the themes of gender fluidity and freedom of expression, explaining to Mad-Dog the importance of performing a song that can break with conventions and challenge stereotypes.
The band members embraced this message wholeheartedly, recognizing both the pride and the responsibility of sharing it with a television audience.
But Paola’s request goes beyond the music. The judge encouraged the band to take more risks on stage, play with their costumes and show a more sensual and provocative side than in their previous performances.
This opens the door to a performance that could be different from what we have seen so far, with stage presence and interpretation complementing the energy of the guitars.
From Kasabian to Bowie: Mad-Dog’s journey on X Factor
The song assignment comes after the band from Sassari made it through two Live shows.
At their October 22 debut, Mad-Dog had opened the competition with Kasabian’s “Club Foot”, securing a place in the next show thanks to the public vote.
At the second Live show on October 29, Paola Iezzi had chosen Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson”, also drawing inspiration from the alternative rock version by the Lemonheads.
Despite a technical issue with the vocals during their performance, the band received praise from all four judges and made it through to the next round once again.
With Rebel Rebel, the band is taking on another British rock classic, but with a clear challenge: go beyond the musical performance and further develop their artistic identity.
Their journey began with their early experiences at venues in Sassari, recounted in our in-depth feature on Mad-Dog’s story, and continues today in front of a national audience.
When to watch Mad-Dog at the third Live show of X Factor 2026
The third Live show of X Factor 2026 will air on Thursday, November 5 at 9:15 p.m. on Sky Uno and stream on NOW.
For Mad-Dog, it will be another decisive night on the road to the December 3 final. Viewers can support them by voting during the voting windows open during the show.
All the information on how to vote is available in our guide to voting for Mad-Dog on X Factor 2026.
After making it through two rounds, the four musicians from Sassari are ready to return to the stage with one of David Bowie’s most iconic songs. This time, along with the rock, Paola Iezzi wants to see their more rebellious side come through.