The Skinny on "The X Factor"

(from msn.com)

Nearly two years is a long time for fans of "American Idol" to go without seeing Simon Cowell's particular (yet totally entertaining) brand of on-screen thuggery. But, the big, bad Brit is back. And though we'll have to wait for the ratings to confirm what just about everyone is predicting, "The X Factor" stands to be the biggest show of the season. This latest entry into the already crowded reality singing-competition landscape is just not another show: The format has already conquered European airwaves and has become a true juggernaut across the globe. The premiere of "X Factor" marks not only the stateside launch of one the world's most popular franchises, but the return of arguably the biggest TV personality of the past ten years -- a made-for-the-masses persona honed and perfected on "American Idol."

But "Idol" fans expecting more of the same should take note: There are a couple of notable differences between "The X Factor" and "American Idol." So, as we get set to welcome Simon Cowell back into our living rooms this Wednesday, here are 10 things to keep in mind.


All About Simon
Make no mistake: "The X Factor" is all about Simon. There's been endless speculation about exactly what precipitated or accelerated his departure from "American Idol," but one thing is sure: Simon wants to be the man in charge. And with "X Factor," he gets to call all the shots -- something he wasn't able to do on "Idol."

How the Format Works
The process of choosing a winner is a little more circuitous than it is on "American Idol." Here's how it all works: Auditions occurred in six cities in May and June of this year, where the judges (before a live audience) selected contestants to move on to a semifinal round. This boot-camp round, held in Los Angeles, is where the judges, again working in front of a live audience, narrow the pool of hopefuls to 24. From here, the judges get assigned a group of six contestants, each pooled into one of four categories (young guys, young girls, older singers and groups), and begin reducing their own groups to three. This round is called the Judges' Home round, since they will be taped on location at the judges' (purported) residences. This group of twelve (three from each judge) are the finalists, who then move on to live performance episodes, which are judged by viewers.

We're Doing This Live
Auditions for "The X Factor" are taped before the judges and a live audience -- a fact which should help to effectively curtail the circus-sideshow viewers we're often forced to stomach on "American Idol."

No Limits
Currently, if you're not between the ages of 15 and 28, you're out of luck on "American Idol." Not so on "The X Factor," which is open to contestants as young as 12 years old. This, coupled with the fact that there's no upper age limit for potential contestants, means that the contest is wide open for future Susan Boyles and Jackie Evanchos.

Calling the Shots
On the "The X Factor," judges do way more than offer up trite words of affirmation or gentle rebuke. They actually take an active role in mentoring the contestants -- choosing their songs, shaping arrangements and onstage style, and coaching them through their performance choices.

The Real Kingmaker
Simon Cowell has never had a fellow judge the likes of L.A. Reid, who as one of the industry's most respected record executives developed the careers of Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Rihanna, Usher and Pink (but to name a few). In a word, Reid has credibility: He knows what he's talking about, and the contestants (and the viewers, too) should heed his words

The Weakest Link?
With a resume that includes a "DWTS" mirror bowl trophy and a recent stint as judge on "The Sing-Off," Nicole Scherzinger certainly knows a thing or two about reality competition shows. But does her experience there and her comparatively modest success (compared to Paula, J.Lo and Steven Tyler, at any rate) as a recording artist (both with the "Pussycat Dolls" and as a solo artist) stack up against a judging panel already rich with heavyweights? The answer is more than likely no. Her spot on the panel was originally slotted to Cheryl Cole (who, like Scherzinger, was the table's obvious eye candy), but was eventually given to Scherzinger after a round of heavy speculation. According to some reports (none really confirmed), producers had concerns about Cole's on-screen chemistry with Paula and viewers' ability to understand her strong British accent. It would seem producers should be concerned with Scherzinger's expertise. That is, if you're an "X Factor" contestant, would you really want Scherzinger as a mentor over Simon, Paula or L.A. Reid?

Wild Card, Revisited
While all eyes will be understandably focused on Simon as he makes his return to the reality TV airwaves, so too will Paula Abdul command considerable attention from those who grew accustomed to her unpredictable ways on "American Idol."

Ryan Who?
Host Steve Jones is no Ryan Seacrest. That is, don't expect the Welsh TV presenter and former model to be as
assertive and as attention-seeking as Simon's old "Idol" sparring partner. Instead, look for Jones to be cut from the same cloth as his fellow Brit Cat Deeley, host of "So You Think You Can Dance" -- a friendly face who will seldom make his presence prominent or consequential in the TV proceedings.

Biggest Prize Ever
Thanks to a relationship between Sony Music Entertainment and Syco, Simon Cowell's own television and music production company, the winner of "The X Factor" will receive a five-million-dollar recording contract, which is, by a long shot, the largest single prize ever awarded on a reality competition series

So, what do you think?  Will you watch the series premiere tonight?