The X Factor

Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell are probably the hosts of Fox's singing talent competition 'The X Factor.'Produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia The United States. Executive producers, Take advantage of Wade, Siobhan Greene, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway, Andrew Llinares. 120 MIN. Host: Steve Johnson. Idol judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger. With: Cheryl ColeCritically speaking, the variations between "The X Factor" -- Simon Cowell's go-it-alone talent showcase -- and "The American Idol ShowInch are minor, but nonetheless significant. Contrary, a preview reflects a set much more psychologically tricky and also over-created than its predecessor -- starting with the very fact the only real limit is age 12 and older. Even among a glut of talent competitions, Fox's marketing machinery should make mtss is a formidable placeholder with the fall, otherwise -- with apologies to "Idol" sponsor Coke -- as large because the real factor. It's possible to certainly realise why "Idol's" producers feel greater than a little inflammed concerning the commonalities, leading to lawsuit dating back its premiere within the U.K. Beyond that, getting another singing show risks watering down a franchise that Fox has otherwise carefully handled. Yet there is no denying Cowell brings something extra towards the knowing process -- less because of his trademark bitchiness than his capability to succinctly articulate critique as relatively couple of on television can. Wanting to illustrate the show's breath, in early stages the auditions present a 13-year-old girl and a few seniors (the second sequence appears as though Stanley Kubrick directed it), among a mixture of figures as looking forward to fleeting exposure because the $5-million prize. In a single situation, which includes actual exposure, which does not stop the producers from rewarding the stunt by including it, with merely a carefully placed "X" to obscure the nudity. That Cowell made a decision to reunite with Paula Abdul -- his frequent foil on "Idol" -- only underscores his determination to win and resolve for as being a showman. Furthermore, live training between Cowell and music professional L.A. Reid reflects more back-and-forth than anything he involved in with Abdul and Randy Jackson on "Idol." If perhaps the producers did not go ahead and take skirmish a pointless step further by setting the montage to "Eye from the Tiger" to pound the purpose home. So it goes. Exactly the same mixture of sob tales, as anxious relatives searching on in the wings. And when there's less than a Susan Boyle or Paul Potts moment (though one particularly comes reasonably close), the tears flow freely, and a couple of truly stirring performances emerge. Once more the host, Steve Johnson -- apparently the British pronunciation of "Ryan Seacrest" -- is of interest but a bland non-factor, with the exception that Johnson appears to understand his place, for the time being. Even though Nicole Scherzinger would be a late alternative for Cheryl Cole -- who's incorporated within the premiere -- apart from pretty faces neither adds much towards the proceedings. Not too it matters. Fox's film studio has certainly made lots of money off a particular team of mutants, and today the television unit could be grateful because of its own "X" guy.The X Factor Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com