There has been a shakeup on the X Factor judges panel for weeks three and four of the live shows.
Usual 2018 judge Robbie Williams has been absent, leaving the show due to touring commitments in South America.
This has paved the way for Nile Rodgers to join the table, meriting a place next to Ayda Field, Simon Cowell and Louis Tomlinson.
So who is Nile Rodgers? And what is his musical background?
Well, you’ll be surprised to know that he is behind these five incredible tunes…
From Thames/SycoThe X Factor: SR15 on ITV
Pictured: Robbie Williams, Ayda Field, Dermot O’Leary, Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell.
Who is Nile Rodgers?
Nile Rodgers is a 66-year-old musician, producer, songwriter and guitarist.
He has played his part in more than 500 million albums in some way or another, starting his career in the 1970’s and still producing today.
The American-born disco, funk and soul specialist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a three-time Grammy Award winner, and we have no idea why he wasn’t picked instead of Ayda Field in the first place!
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous tracks he has been part of.
Madonna: Like A Virgin
Not only did Nile help Madonna produce the single Like A Virgin, but he was the co-producer on the entire album.
Madonna, 26 years old at the time, wanted to produce the album on her own.
However, her record label refused to give her complete artistic control, meaning our man Nile jumped on board to help produce one of the most iconic albums of all time.
Daft Punk: Get Lucky (Ft Pharrell Williams)
If you were to take a time capsule back to 2013 then there would only one hypnotic song being played in bars and clubs across the world.
Nile co-wrote Get Lucky alongside Pharrell Williams and Daft Punk, as well as playing the guitar on the track.
Remember the guy with the dreads and guitar looking super happy in the video? Yeah, that’s Nile!
David Bowie: Let’s Dance
The most iconic partnership in Nile’s career came in 1983 when he joined forces with none other than David Bowie.
Together, they co-wrote and produced the album Let’s Dance, which is Bowie’s best-selling album and has sold more than 10 million copies to date.
It truly was the combination of two musical masterminds at work!
Sister Sledge: We Are Family
Another catchy banger, Nile teamed up with the four talent sisters of Sister Act at the end of the 1970’s.
Now a staple of every wedding mixtape, We Are Family is both empowering and a smash hit – what more could you want!
Diana Ross: I’m Coming Out
Here’s yet another example of Nile Rodger’s influence on a huge global hit.
Diana Ross called upon Nile to help write, produce and play material for her when she created 1980 album, Diana.
Nile came up with the I’m Coming Out track idea and the rest is history!
WATCH X FACTOR EVERY WEEKEND ON ITV.
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