Katy Perry, Paula Abdul, Enrique Iglesias are all names that have been linked recently to Simon Cowell’s “The X-Factor” which begins auditions late March 2011 in Los Angeles for the show’s premiere in September 2011 on Fox. The series, originally conceived by Cowell in England, is a singing competition similar to American Idol, the show that introduced the abrasive talent finder to America.
So what sets “The X-Factor” apart from “American Idol?” Contestants on “The X-Factor” can be as young as 12 years of age and perform as part of a duo or group; Idol contestants are solo acts. Also, in what will be the most dramatic development for potential contestants, auditions for the show will happen in front of the judges and in front of a live audience.
L.A Reid joins Simon Cowell’s X-Factor
This week legendary music producer Antonio L.A Reid was announced as a judge on The X-Factor. The man behind Pink, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber, Reid told reporters at a Fox press event this week “I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon Cowell, one of the world’s most gifted and charismatic talent magnets.”
On signing Reid as a judge on X-Factor, Cowell told reporters “L.A was my number one choice to sit alongside me on the show.” Cowell continued “…he is one of the greatest music executives and of course a fantastic writer and producer. Love fest continued with Fox President of Alternative Programming adding that Reid has “…an insanely good eye for talent but he also has the personality and savvy to go toe to toe with Simon.”
Katy Perry and Paula Abdul rumored as X-Factor Judges
Now, with auditions beginning next Thursday in Los Angeles, speculation turns to who will join Simon and L.A Reid at the judges table. Names being bandied about include pop star Katy Perry and most intriguingly, Simon Cowell’s former Idol pal Paul Abdul whose own reality show Live to Dance has been cancelled by CBS.
There is also much talk about who will host X-Factor. Many had expected the host of Britain’s X-Factor, Dermot O’Leary, would cross the pond to host the American version of the show. However, London’s Mirror reported this week that pop star Enrique Iglesias has been offered the job of host. Iglesias was a guest performer on the most recent cycle of Britain’s X-Factor.
Are you excited for X-Factor? Who do you want to see sitting next to Simon at the judges table?
X-Factor debuts on Fox this fall.
Sean Kernan - Sean Kernan is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics and Broadcast Television Journalists Associations. Contact him ...
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