Julianne Reviews: X-Factor

Initially, I was skeptical about X-Factor. My initial questions were:

1. How would this show differ from American Idol?
2. How good were these judges?
3. Could Paula really pull it together?

Like many of you, I was quite disappointed in Simon Cowell for jumping ship. Sure, his co-judge line-up was a little bit suspect, but I thought with a bit of maneuvering on the judge panel, the problem could be fixed. Simon had other plans however...enter X-Factor.

The Premise of X-Factor

This show debuted in the U.K. approximately seven years ago and apparently had a healthy fan base.

Thankfully, Simon Cowell grew bored with American Idol and decided it was time bring this show across the pond.

Singing contestants are given a chance to compete for a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music, which is a pretty good deal. Aside from proving they have the vocals, they also must prove they have the "it factor" better known as the "X-Factor."

Contestants vary in age and gender and are composed of not only solo artists but groups as well.

Meet the Judges

Although there was initialy a musical chair of judges, the music finally stopped and viewers are left with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid. It's a mixed bag of judges, but if you know their history, then at the end of the day, the panel actually makes sense. Initially, I wasn't so sold on the idea of bringing Paula back as her brand of generic commentary wasn't always that appealing to me however, one could not help to welcome her back to the line up as this show has seemingly given her a real role and purpose.

More About the Show...

This viewer appreciates the idea of the show's expanded age group as Idol's talent pool can be quite limited at times. In various years, it seemed as through we were stuck with a group of mediocre kids that had some talent but not necessarily enough to carry some of them into a life-long career of success. Mind you Idol fans, I'm not speaking of the Carrie Underwoods or Jennifer Hudsons of the competition, but if you have been watching this show as long as I have, then you know what I'm speaking of when it comes to mediocre talent.

In the last few weeks, I have really come to appreciate this show and it has also left me to believe that J-Lo, Randy and Steven Tyler are really going to have to step up their selection game for Idol. In just a few weeks, X-Factor has shown us that there is some real talent out there and that we shouldn't have to settle for the oddball line-up we have been fed at times on Idol.

X-Factor has thirteen and fourteen year old kids that leave you saying "Wow!"

If you are a fan of music or talent and have not tuned in to view this show yet, I highly encourage you to do so and form your own opinion.

Julianne rates this show: 3.5 out of 5 stars.