‘The X Factor USA’ Premiere: More like ‘America’s Got Talent', Better Than ‘American Idol’

It has been a very long wait for the premiere of "The X Factor USA" on FOX. Originally it started out in the UK as simply "The X Factor" much like "Pop Idol" was to "American Idol". A lot has been written that "The X Factor USA" is merely another version of "American Idol." There is some truth that it is in the reality TV competition genre and the grand prize is a recording contract. Also, added in the mix are former "Idol" judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are now on the judging panel. Other than that, it is more serious than "Idol" and has a bigger range with the age limit, plus there are groups in addition to solo vocalists.

By far the biggest difference is the prize of $5 million, plus an opportunity to star in a Pepsi commercial during the Super Bowl for the winner of "The X Factor USA." If there is any show it should be heavily compared to it would have to "America's Got Talent." The first round of auditions was held in front of a live audience with the judges. Each show offers the winner a grand prize in the millions while "America's Got Talent" also offers the winner a headline act in Las Vegas. At first I wasn't so interested in seeing this new reality TV talent show. Why do we need another one? I'm not even familiar with the British version, yet a friend of mine is a huge fan of that show. He urged me to watch the one with Simon and company. He was anxious, yet nervous, for its US premiere.

The show started out by showing us the cattle call audition process in the various cities. Later on it explained the live show's format after the auditions where the judges will act as mentors. One will mentor the male singers, another for the females, one for the over 30 acts and finally the groups (2 or more singers). After all the intros were complete it was on with the taped auditions that began in Los Angeles. Cheryl Cole is the fourth judge with Simon, Paula and L.A. Reid. Cole has been judging the UK version, but was replaced during the second half when they traveled to Seattle. First up is a 13-year old name Rachel Crow. She is very average looking, a bit chubby, with an annoying personality. Rachel is very over the top, but indeed talented. It will be interesting to see how she progresses in the competition.

One thing I am truly grateful about "The X Factor USA" is it had its share of bad auditions, but it was kept to a bare minimum unlike the others (you know who they are). However, there was one extremely tacky guy auditioning who decided to shake more than his hips. He dropped his pants and proceeded on with his stupid song. I agreed with Paula when she walked out off the soundstage. It was completely unnecessary to show that. Otherwise the show was tastefully done. Of course we got back stories from some of the contestants whom we'll probably see again.

One of my favorites was a 42-year old single mom who has dreamed of a singing career. She literally brought the house down and received a standing ovation from all of the judges. Closing out the show was a remarkable talent by the name of Chris Rene. He sang an original hip-hop song that chronicled his struggles with drugs, rehab and sobriety. I'm looking forward to many more episodes and the live shows on "The X Factor USA." According to my friend it is just like watching the British version. He loved watching this new one on FOX. This show is not to be missed.

SOURCES:

The Official Site of The X Factor USA, The X Factor USA.com

Kelly West, "The X Factor Review: Six Factors That Separate X From Idol", Television Blend-CinemaBlend.com

Jane, "X Factor USA Premiere SPOILERS: Better Than American Idol?", Celebrity News and Style.com