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The X Factor (American TV series)

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The X Factor
File:XFactorUSlogo.png
The X Factor logo
GenreReality
Created bySimon Cowell
JudgesSimon Cowell
Cheryl Cole
L.A. Reid
Paula Abdul[1]
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
Production
Executive producersSimon Cowell
Cecile Frot-Coutaz
Richard Holloway[2]
Andrew Llinares
Rob Wade
ProducerRob Wade
Production locationsCBS Television City
Hollywood, California
Production companiesSyco TV
FremantleMedia North America
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseSeptember 2011 (2011-09)
Related
The X Factor (UK)

The X Factor is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Cowell and produced by Syco TV,[3] which is scheduled to premiere in September 2011[4] on FOX. As part of the The X Factor franchise, the program's format differs from its rivals, such as American Idol, in numerous ways. The competition is open to both solo artists and groups, has no upper age limit, and the judges act as mentors to the final contestants. Each judge is assigned a category—girls under 25, boys under 25, individuals over 25, and groups—that they place the finalists in after the audition process.[2] Through the live shows, the judges act as mentors to the contestants helping decide song choices and styling, while judging contestants from other categories.

History

In April 2009, reports surfaced that Cowell was attempting to launch The X Factor in America after his contract ended with American Idol with the ninth season.[5] Under his then-current contract, Cowell was forbidden from launching The X Factor as a rival show to Idol.[5] In September of that year Fox, the broadcaster of American Idol, signed the deal to launch the American version.

On January 11, 2010, News Corporation (through Fox News in the US and The Times in the UK) reported that Cowell would leave American Idol after season 9 so he could bring The X Factor to the United States in September 2011. Cowell told the Television Critics Association that he was leaving American Idol so that in 2011 he can judge and act as executive producer of the U.S version of The X Factor.[6] Additionally, Cowell signed a long-term business deal with Sony Music Entertainment who already support Syco Music artists in the UK and will now be involved with the artists on the U.S. version of the show as well as becoming involved in the production of the show.[3]

In November 2010, FOX began airing short commercials for the program which displayed the text "Coming to America Fall 2011".[7][8] The New York Times described the commercials as the network trying to set up "The X Factor" as a television event.[7] CTV will broadcast the show in Canada.[9]

Format and prize

The show is primarily concerned with identifying singing talent, though appearance, personality, stage presence and dance routines are also an important element of many performances. Each judge is assigned a category—girls under 25, boys under 25, individuals over 25, and groups—that they place the finalists in after the audition process.[2] Through the live shows, the judges act as mentors to the contestants helping decide song choices and styling. The judges also judge the other contestants from the other categories.[citation needed] The winner of the competition is awarded a recording contract, stated to be worth $5 million, with Syco Music in association with Sony Music Entertainment.[10][11] Cowell said that the recording contract was the "largest guaranteed prize in television history." In comparison to the UK version of the show, the cost of recording and marketing the winning artist will be paid for separately from the $5 million initial contract payment, paid in five annual installments of $1 million.[10]

There are five stages to The X Factor competition:

  • Stage 1: Producers' auditions (these auditions decide who will sing in front of the judges)
  • Stage 2: Judges' auditions
  • Stage 3: Boot camp
  • Stage 4: Visits to judges' houses
  • Stage 5: Live shows (finals)

Auditions

The show is open to solo artists and vocal groups aged 12 and above, with no upper age limit.[10][11] The successful auditionees will audition in front of the judges.

Bootcamp and visits to judges' houses

The contestants selected at auditions are further refined through a series of performances at "boot camp", and then at the "judges' houses", until a small number eventually progress to the live finals.They collectively choose 24 acts (six from each category) for the next round, and only then find out which category they are to mentor. During these stages, the producers allocate each of the judges a category to mentor. The judges then disband for the "visits to the judges' houses" round, where they reduce their six acts with a celebrity guest to three for the live shows.

Live Shows

The finals consist of a series of two live shows, the first featuring the contestants' performances and the second revealing the results of the public voting, culminating in one or more acts being eliminated. Celebrity guest performers also feature regularly. Once the number of contestants has been reduced to five, the format changes. Each act performs twice in the first show, with the public vote opening after the first performance. This continues until only three acts remain. These acts go on to appear in the grand final which decides the overall winner by public vote.

Post X Factor

The winner of the competition is awarded a recording contract, stated to be worth $5 million, with Syco Music in association with Sony Music Entertainment.[10][11] Cowell said that the recording contract was the "largest guaranteed prize in television history." In comparison to the UK version of the show, the cost of recording and marketing the winning artist will be paid for separately from the $5 million initial contract payment, paid in five annual installments of $1 million.[10]

Season 1 (2011)

Main article: The X Factor (U.S. season 1)

Auditions in front of the producers for the first season took place in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark/New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Dallas.[12] It was reported that The X Factor had broken the auditions record in Los Angeles, on March 27.[13] The last set of auditions that will take place in front of the judges and a live studio audience, and are scheduled to take place during May and June 2011.[14]

Judges and presenters

Judges

Cheryl Cole joined the panel alongside Simon Cowell like she did on The X Factor UK

At the time of announcing the U.S. version, Cowell was the only confirmed judge for the show.[15] Although soon after, speculation had already began as to who might be joining him on the panel. His former American Idol colleague Paula Abdul, was quickly linked to the role, as was British The X Factor judge Cheryl Cole. When asked about the possibility of working with Abdul, he said, "I've been talking to Paula for a long time, it was always my intention in one way or another to carry on working with her." In January 2010, Cowell spoke to The New York Post about his new show. In the interview he did not confirm any of the new judges but said that Cole would be a good addition to the show, "I think she would be great over here – Cheryl's a star." However, he did confirm that he was taking the choices of who to join him on the show very seriously. "It's pointless hiring judges who don't know anything about the music business. I'll probably go and find someone who did what I did for a living. I was an A&R guy for 20 years."[16] At the end of January 2010, The Sun reported that Cowell wanted American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga to have a non-judging role on the show.[17] Cowell's close friend Sinitta, confirmed lots of people had expressed interest in the show including Mariah Carey,[18] and even herself if the opportunity arises.[19]

From September 2010 the media reported that producers and Cowell were impressed by Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger, after both had appeared as guest judges during the audition stages of the competition of the seventh series of The X Factor (UK).[20] Scherzinger became a strong candidate after she was invited back to The X Factor (UK) when she was also asked to fill in at bootcamp.[21] On January 12, 2011, The Metro reported that Peter Rice, Fox's chairman, confirmed that there will be four judges, two females, two males, one of them being Simon. Since then, in an interview with Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry ruled herself out of the running.[22]

In March 2011, Cowell confirmed that Scherzinger, Abdul, Carey and George Michael were among the people shortlisted for the judging roles, while Perry and Elton John were confirmed to not be in the running.[23] In an interview with XXL, Cowell also linked Nicki Minaj to the judges shortlist.[24] On March 18, 2011 the first of the three remaining judges was officially announced by Fox, and confirmed to be the Grammy Award-winning record executive, songwriter, and record producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.[25][26] On March 21, 2011 Cowell confirmed that Carey would not be on the show due to her pregnancy.[27] In an interview with MSN's Wonderwall, Cowell said he did not think that Scherzinger would be a judge on the show but that there would "definitely" still be some kind of role for her on it.[28] On April 26, 2011, Cowell confirmed that Cheryl Cole was in the process of working on signing a deal and that negotiations were being made over Paula Abdul's possible contract if she was to join the show. [29][30] Cole was officially revealed as a judge on May 5, 2011.[31]

Presenters

When asked if Cowell would prefer a female or male host, Cowell replied "maybe both". He has since indicated that the show may have two presenters.[32] In an interview with STV, Steve Jones mentioned internet reports that Nicole Scherzinger had been offered the female presenter's job instead of a judging position. He said "She's a great lady and she'll do a fantastic job," as well as admitting he would love the job.[33] On April 29, Entertainment Weekly reported that Scherzinger and High School Musical star, Corbin Bleu, were close to signing contracts as the female and male hosts for the show.[34] On the 7th May 2011 it was reported that the hosts were to be Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones.[35]


Media sponsorship

On January 7, 2011, FOX, Syco Television, and FremantleMedia North American announced that Pepsi will be the official sponsor of The X Factor.[2][7] The sponsorship includes an extensive multi-platform on and off-air marketing partnership.[2]

References

  1. ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/07/paula-abdul-the-x-factor_n_858995.html
  2. ^ a b c d e "PEPSI is Announced as the Official Sponsor of The X Factor!". Fox Broadcasting Company. January 7, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Wilkes, Alex (January 19, 2010). "Sony confirms Cowell, Green venture". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  4. ^ Wilkes, Neil (January 20, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: Cowell confirms start date for US 'X Factor'". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 20, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b Hurrel, Will (April 22, 2009). "Cowell Hints at US X Factor". Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  6. ^ Cooper, Lorna (January 11, 2010). "Cowell quits American Idol". MSN. Microsoft. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  7. ^ a b c Stelter, Brian (January 4, 2011). "Pepsi to Sponsor 'American Idol' Rival". The New York Times. p. 3. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  8. ^ Slezak, Michael (November 24, 2010). "'The X Factor' exclusive: First look at Fox's promo!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  9. ^ Nicole Scherzinger to be 'X Factor' judge? – CTV News. Ctv.ca. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  10. ^ a b c d e "'The X Factor' Winner to Get $5 Million Contract". ABC News. Associated Press. February 7, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  11. ^ a b c Kearney, Christine (February 7, 2011). "U.S. X Factor to offer large record deal for winner". Reuters. Retrieved February 7, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ FOX Broadcasting Company – The X Factor USA – Simon Cowell's Brand New Singing Competition Comes To America Only On FOX. Thexfactor.blogs.fox.com. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  13. ^ 'X Factor' USA breaks audition records in LA – X Factor USA News – US TV. Digital Spy (2011-03-27). Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  14. ^ The X Factor. On Camera Audiences. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  15. ^ Wilkes, Neil (January 11, 2010). "Simon Cowell quits American Idol". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  16. ^ "What Simon Cowell gave up for 'X Factor'". New York Post. NYP Holdings, Inc. January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
  17. ^ Thursday, January 28, 2010, 08:43 GMT (January 28, 2010). "TV – News – Cowell 'wants GaGa' for US 'X Factor'". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 18, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ "X Factor judges rumours: Who's replacing who?". Metro.co.uk. May 12, 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2010.
  19. ^ Sinitta eyes American X Factor role. YouTube (2010-01-29). Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  20. ^ "Cheryl Cole set for US X Factor with Simon Cowell in 2011". Metro.co.uk. September 14, 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2010.
  21. ^ Posted: 2:00 am, September 17, 2010 (September 17, 2010). "Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole to join Simon Cowell's "X-Factor" judging panel". NYPOST.com. Retrieved September 18, 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Ryan Seacrest Interviews Katy Perry. On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Retrieved January 20, 2011
  23. ^ Cina, Mark (March 3, 2011). "Simon Cowell Confirms Paula Abdul Is on 'X-Factor' Judges Shortlist". The Hollywood Reporter. Los Angeles: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  24. ^ Dinh, James. (2011-03-25) Simon Cowell Addresses Nicki Minaj 'X Factor' Judging Rumors – Music, Celebrity, Artist News. MTV. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  25. ^ "Official: L.A. Reid signed as 'X Factor' judge". Entertainment Weekly. March 18, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  26. ^ "Breaking News: Grammy-winning music mogul Antonio "L.A" Reid to join Simon Cowell as a judge on The X Factor!". The X Factor. Facebook. March 18, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  27. ^ Collins, Scott. "Simon Cowell crosses Mariah Carey off list of judges for Fox's 'The X Factor'." Show Tracker. Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar 2011. Web. 22 Mar 2011.
  28. ^ McGonigle, Molly. (2011-03-25) Simon Cowell on 'Idol': 'I watched it once' | Story | Wonderwall. Wonderwall.msn.com. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  29. ^ Cheryl Cole finally confirmed as judge on US X Factor as Simon Cowell gushes she's 'special'. The Daily Record. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  30. ^ Simon Cowell Names Final 'The X Factor' Judges...Or Does He?. YouTube (2011-04-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  31. ^ Plunkett, John. "Cheryl Cole confirmed as US X Factor judge'". The Guardian. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  32. ^ Cowell may prefer having two hosts for 'X Factor' – CTV News. Ctv.ca. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  33. ^ Steve Jones insists he is still up for US X Factor job | TV: Latest News | STV Entertainment. Entertainment.stv.tv (2011-03-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  34. ^ Hibberd, James. (2011-04-28) 'The X Factor': Corbin Bleu in talks to co-host | Inside TV | EW.com. Insidetv.ew.com. Retrieved on 2011-05-06.
  35. ^ http://www.headlineplanet.com/home/2011/05/07/the-x-factor-confirms-us-hosts-paula-abdul-negotiations-ongoing/


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