SIMONsays“You don’t have to necessarily have the best voice, you

may not be the best looking person, but you have something that defines you as a star”

THE X FACTORThe newest show in Hollywood.

he X Factor, originally U.K.’s #1 program for the past seven years, is having its debut in its first season in the United States. This show has been sweeping the nation worldwide as it gained anticipation for the worldwide premiere. The success of the show is evident: “the series has received numerous honors worldwide, and more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records”, according to The X Factor official website. The X Factor is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. The executive producers for Syco Television are Simon Cowell, Rob Wade, and Siobhan Greene. The executive producers for FremantleMedia North America include Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway, and Andrew Llinares. Visit http://www.thexfactorusa.com/about for more information about the producers, companies, or judges.information about the producers, companies, or judges. The companies that are supporting this new show include Fox, Pepsi, Chevy, Sony, and Verizon. There is a bit of irony with Pepsi and Verizon sponsoring this show because Coke and AT&T was American Idol’s sponsor. It will be interesting to see how the ratings compare with the competition between these companies, as well as the shows.

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The contestants have to perform in front of a large, live audience before moving to the next round.

Although it may seem like another American Idol, there are many differences about the show, especially in comparing the initial auditions. The first-time contestants audition not only in front of the four judges, Simon Cowell, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Paula Abdul, and Nicole Scherzinger, but they also will sing in front of an audience of thousands. This is very different than American Idol where they had to very different than American Idol where they had to sing only in front of the four judges. This greatly increases the pressure and the amount of confidence needed to audition. Another difference is the age limit; it has a broader age limit, ranging from 13 to over 80. The stakes are high but the prize is worth it: a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music, which is the largest prize in television history.Music, which is the largest prize in television history. Because of the auditions being performed in front of large audiences, the audience has more participation and involvement in the process. The contestant has more time to introduce himself or herself and show off their personality as well as their talent. This “Fifth Judge” has the power to sway the opinions of others and makes you feel a part of the process of selecting the contestants. The show process of selecting the contestants. The show includes inspirational stories of real-life people and it gives the audience hope of their lives being changed. Because this show is focused on entertainment, the producers still include some “difficult” auditions for the humor and entertainment aspect of the show. Nonetheless, The X Factor is a show that involves the audience from the beginning stages, which overall audience from the beginning stages, which overall increases viewer participation.