Simon Cowell Sounds Off on Why 'X Factor' is Better Than 'Idol'
Simon Cowell, the infamous mean spirited judge who entered our television screens ten years ago on “American Idol,” will be front and center in his new show “X Factor.”
After departing from Fox’s “American Idol,” Cowell explained that his exit was due to the lack of “fun” at the show.
“As we got more successful, many more people arrived. So many more people were in the room that you didn't recognize. So many watching you, sending emails. It wasn't fun anymore,” Cowell recently told TV Guide.
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The “X Factor” premiering tomorrow night on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, is a reality singing show that pits contestants against each other as viewers vote each week to determine the winner. It’s hard to ignore the blatant similarities to Cowell’s former show American Idol, but Simon is quick to point out how the differences in the series makes “X Factor” superior.
The British judge told TV Guide, “I was making a lot of money on American Idol, but I did X Factor because I genuinely felt this was a better show. I personally was happier sitting on a show where older people could compete with younger people who could compete with groups. I just preferred that process.”
The “X Factor” also differs from “Idol” because it allows the judges – Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, and Cowell – to personally mentor the contestants behind the scenes all the way to the end of the show.
“X Factor’s” biggest draw comes in form of Paula Abdul. Cowell and Paula are reunited since their departure from “Idol.” Fans of the two hope their flirty interactions will be on full display during “X Factor.”
On Monday night, Simon Cowell appeared “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno and described his relationship with Paula Abdul similar to a lost puppy.
“Paula is like... if you've lost your dog and it goes to the pound, and then the pound calls you to say 'We found your dog, will you come to collect it?” he said.
With so much hype going into the show, Simon is already predicting his show to shoot to the top of the ratings chart. Cowell recently gushed, “You don’t enter something for the silver medal; you do it because you want to be No. 1.”
