XFactor

LESSON IDEA: with the success of American Idol in the USA, it might be interesting to look at the show XFactor, the Italian equivalent, for a cultural comparison. It is also an opportunity for students to hear what's popular in Italy in terms of music at the moment, and they might have fun comparing and contrasting the judges and their styles with those of their American counterparts. Through the course of the year, you could follow the progress of the show online with the students and have weekly updates on the contestants. You could also incorporate lessons involving the actual songs used on the program. Students could even participate in the forums on the website and comment on their favorite contestants, involving them firsthand in modern day Italian culture.