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The X Factor USA hasn’t gotten off to a great start – axing its first celebrity judge and X Factor alumni Cheryl Cole and getting handed a lawsuit by former “Idol” executive producer Simon Fuller. But come September 21, Simon Cowell’s reality show is coming to Fox whether his critics like it or not.
The show is UK’s biggest reality competition, and even after eight years running continues to attract thousands of aspiring performers for a chance to strut in front of the infamous judge’s panel. Now that Simon Cowell has turned his back on Fox’s other reality competition and focused on his initial baby, the question remains: Will America really tune in? There are loads of reality competitions on the small screen right now – from Piers Morgan’s popular hit to ABC’s dancing tribute, and for any American who hasn’t seen the essence of The X Factor in the UK, they might miss the point – does The X Factor really have the drive to make it to number one?
All signs point to “yes,” as the televised event will showcase what Simon Cowell does best – a tear-jerking, sit on the edge of your seat kind of television show. Sure, they’re looking for some talent up on those stages, but by the time contestants get to L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger, they’ve already been through loads of performances, heartbreak and starvation. “It’s incredibly exhausting,” says one contestant, who made it through to Los Angeles’ second round of bootcamp. “What the general public is shown on television is a lot different than what happens in real life, because it’s a TV show and they want people to believe that the first time you audition is in front of a panel.”
The X Factor is a well oiled machine – with Simon Cowell at the pit of it. He might give great advice, offer sincere suggestions when he likes you and shout the truth, but when you really put the spotlight on his panel of judges, that’s where you’re going to find a cesspool of raw talent. “I think the judges are there to make a TV show,” says a New York City performer, and X Factor USA contestant who has followed Cowell’s career for years. “They play their roles very well – Simon Cowell is incredibly real and honest, and the breath of fresh-air is L.A. Reid. Simon Cowell is the one that brings the show with his power and experience, but the person who has the influence in making a real artist is L.A. Reid. He’s going to emerge as the superstar of the show.”
They don’t want people to know the truth – because if we did, audiences would realize it’s all an elaborate hoax. Here’s what clinches The X Factor for American audiences – it isn’t just about the talent. Sure, some of the finalists can sing, and sing really well. But Cowell and his team of lemmings don’t just want a vocal box equivalent to Christina Aguilera – they want the whole package, the “x factor” that makes someone stand out from the pack. Have you got a sappy story to share? Bring it on – it’ll only increase your changes in moving ahead. “I think that the X Factor is in its own league,” the New York performer continues. “They aren’t looking for the next best singer that can hit every note perfectly, they’re looking for the ‘X Factor’ – it’s not just your singing, it’s your talent, your look, your story, your history and connection to the audience.”
For audience members, The X Factor won’t shape itself into some unfamiliar landscape; it’s all going to be unnervingly familiar – you’ll see the “first audition” in front of the panel of judges, rivers of tears, a few standing ovations and a whole lot of anxious squeals.
And that’s all American audiences, or international audiences for that matter, really want in their next big reality show – the reality is hidden in Simon Cowell’s makeup, participant flaws nailed onscreen, Paula Abdul’s weakness for a black t-shirt and the crowd’s unwavering support. “It opened my eyes to what a television show is about, versus a real singing competition – and this is definitely more of a television show. I learned that talent is only one factor to being a star,” the contestant added, months after being eliminated following the final round of cuts in Los Angeles’ bootcamp. These judges aren’t interested in the reality singer; they are interested in the reality star - a character who captures the attention of the audience with their story, looks, personality…oh, and their voice.
