Since its debut in 2004, The X Factor has remained the U.K.'s #1 program for the last seven years, peaking with an audience of 21 million for its 2010 finale. The format swiftly broke similar records around the world, where local versions have consistently rated #1. The series has received numerous honors worldwide, and more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for The X Factor judges, Simon Cowell, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, they will do so in front of an audience of thousands - raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to win an unprecedented $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.
The X Factor is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.
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Simon Cowell (Judge)
Simon Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 200 million albums and delivering more than 180 No. 1 records. Britains Got Talent in 2009 launched the global singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut album sold over 8 million units in six weeks, making it the worlds biggest-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album in history and a total of 20 million records to date. In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporters Top 50 Most Powerful in Reality TV and Entertainment Weeklys Top Entertainer of the Year.In 2010 Simon Cowell was awarded Variety Internationals Humanitarian Award for his extensive charitable work, The Rose dOr Golden Jubilee Award and BAFTAs Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and development of new talent. He also appeared on Time Magazines list of Most Influential People in the World and was awarded the International Emmy Founders Award. Syco, with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. Syco Television owns and produces the BAFTA Award-winning THE X FACTOR, which has topped the charts around the world.
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Paula Abdul (Judge)
Paula Abdul is one of the most-recognized pop singers and choreographers in film, television, video, stage and live tours. Her celebrated work in choreography includes Emmy-winning contributions to The Tracey Ullman Show and Emmy-nominated choreography for the Academy Awards, as well as Abduls own performance on The American Music Awards.Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince. Abduls favorite memory is dancing alongside her idol, Gene Kelly, in a celebrated and acclaimed commercial campaign.
Abduls choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning American Beauty, working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in Jerry Maguire and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stones The Doors.
Abduls music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two Peoples Choice Awards and two Kids Choice Awards. She has also been honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into Nickelodeons Kids Choice Hall of Fame. Abdul served as a judge alongside Simon Cowell for eight seasons on the hit series AMERICAN IDOL.
An acclaimed jewelry designer, Abdul introduced her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC to record-breaking sales. The collection consists of charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets in a mix of textures and metals, adorned with meaningful phrases. Abdul, who got her first break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl, continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country.
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Nicole Scherzinger (Judge)
[Originally, Scherzinger was cast as the shows co-host along with Steve Jones. British pop singer and X Factor UK alum Cheryl Cole was hired to reprise her role at the judges table. But after only three weeks on the job, it became clear to Simon Cowell and others that Cole wasnt going to work out in the US version. (The scuttlebutt is there was a lack of chemistry between Cole and Paula Abdul)
Cole was fired by FOX, but Cowell offered her her old job on X Factor UK, where she had been more comfortable. But the singer snubbed him; apparently angry over how the situation was handled. Simon wasnt thrilled about it either. "But that's what you have to do when you produce you have to make decisions in the moment, and I take full responsibility for it, said Simon. (source).Scherzinger--who had temorarily filled in for Cheryl Cole once before on the UK show--became the new permanent judge on the US version, leaving the hosting duties soley to Steve Jones.
"I mean I'm not going to lie," Nicole said. "I cried when Simon told me because I felt that no matter where he had me on the show I was going to be of service and do the best that I could."
Nicole Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, HI, and grew up in Louisville, KY. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, performer and the former lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. Scherzinger was asked to join The Pussycat Dolls after appearing on the TV show Popstars as part of the group Edens Crush. The groups debut album, PCD, went double-platinum in America, sold over 9 million copies worldwide and featured the hit songs Dont Cha, Buttons and Stickwitu.
Following the success of PCD, Scherzinger recorded a series of duets and guest vocal appearances with P. Diddy, 50 Cent, Timbaland and Vittorio. The second Pussycat Dolls album Doll Domination, has sold over 5 million copies to date and contains the hits When I Grow Up and I Hate This Part. In 2009, Scherzinger wrote and recorded an adaptation of A.R. Rahmans Jai Ho (from the film Slumdog Millionaire), which went to No. 1 in 17 countries.
Recently, Scherzinger won the 10th season of Dancing with the Stars and starred in Rent at the Hollywood Bowl. Scherzinger is scheduled to release her debut album Killer Love. The first single Right There (featuring 50 Cent) is available digitally on May 17th, in advance of the album release this summer.
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L.A. Reid (Judge)
Antonio "L.A." Reid, former Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group and one of the most influential names in music today, will join Simon Cowell on the judging panel of THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX.Throughout his career, Reid has launched some of the biggest acts in music, including Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Pink, Usher, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. With a diverse roster of talent, 33 No. 1 hits and three Grammy Awards, Reid is one of the industry's most respected and successful executives, as well as one of the most talented, creative and formidable forces in music.
"I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon Cowell, one of the world's most gifted and charismatic talent magnets," said Reid. "THE X FACTOR provides an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring artists of every age and genre to showcase their unique talents. I truly look forward to discovering our next generation of superstars."
"L.A. was my number one choice to sit alongside me on the show. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest-ever music executives and - of course - a fantastic writer and producer. I am thrilled he has agreed to join the show, and for any artist auditioning, they know they have the chance to meet a true star-maker," said Cowell.
"L.A. Reid is one of the most celebrated music producers and songwriters of our time and knows exactly what it takes to find and nurture a global superstar," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "Not only does he have an insanely good eye for talent, but he also has the personality and savvy to go toe-to-toe with Simon Cowell, so I can't wait to see those two music moguls together at THE X FACTOR judges' table."
"L.A. Reid's renowned expertise in recognizing, producing and marketing musical talent is synonymous with some of the most successful recording artists in the history of modern music," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "I am thrilled to have him judging on THE X FACTOR, and look forward to seeing him apply his amazing experience and track record in the mentoring of one of our categories."
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Steve Jones (Host)
Steve Jones is a Welsh television presenter, model and actor.He has hosted a variety of shows in the UK (see his wikipedia bio). Hosting The X Factor is his first television gig in the States.
A commercial for popular tripe like this has no place here
his other show on Fox was the worst POS I believe I have ever seen...that along with any of the dancing shows, they polute the airways....
IMPRESSIVE artwork, jonny!!!
Yea!!!! I can’t wait!!
:)Love Simon,welcome back Jonny.
You are so amazingly talented, Jonny!
I’m thinking that Jerky Panda may have to come out of hiding again! LOL!
Good to see everyone! :^D
Oh boy, I cant wait to see Paula, Randy and Chef Ramsey!
Yay!! I just messaged you about this! Do you have a ping list? Jonny rocks!
Oh, Jonny, I was hoping when I logged on to FR you would have a thread going!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. xxxooo
Hey Jonny boy! Why do Simon’s eyes droop so? He looks like a sad puppy.
I’m pretty much sick of that Simon Cowell and those other retards............How many years has that crap stayed on TV anyway?
I'll have to go through the thread to get caught up and catch tonight's show. :)
Omg, jonny, how did I miss the fun last week?! I watched the show, in fact I was on the show,* but missed your wonderful thread! I am a bit out of it with my new beautiful baby, 6 week old Lia Giselle. Will hopefully join you (after the Pst showing) tonight!
* we were in one of the front rows but we couldn’t “find” us, lol. At the LA taping. Adele the singer was a couple rows ahead. They never mentioned her on the show but she interacted with Simon and the two singers who did Adele songs at that audition, she was a great sport.
So far I like Jazzlyn Little, Brian Bradley and Drew Ryniewicz. Very talented kids. Teenagers! with star quality.