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Primetime Show Reviews
"The X Factor"
review by Carrie
Wednesdays at 8/7c on FOX
“X-Factor”: The Next “Idol”?
For the longest time, I’d been eagerly awaiting the premiere of “The X-Factor”,
hoping to finally stop watching “American Idol” once and for all. Not that
“American Idol” is all that bad. I have watched from the beginning, ever since
Kelly Clarkson was crowned the first Idol. But with all reality shows that have
been on the air for almost a decade, the originality starts to wear off and we
are left with a generic competition. Yes, there have been Idols who have went on
and had successful careers (Carrie Underwood, David Cook, to name a few), but
after a while, the contestants started to blend together for me. That’s why “The
X-Factor” piqued my curiosity in the first place. I admit, I’m a fan of Simon
Cowell and wanted to see how he fared on a show he created himself. When
September 21, 2011 rolled around and “X-Factor” premiered on FOX, I didn’t know
what to expect. Within the first thirty minutes, I had a pretty good inkling of
what was in store for America. And after last week’s boot camp, it became clear
who are the show’s front-runners.
Two ways “X-Factor” is like “Idol”: 1 - We still have to endure
watching the awful auditions of people who can’t sing. In my opinion, I would
rather see a short clip of all the singers who made the cut than cringe through
half of the show. The only good thing about “X-Factor” is the audition process
is cut down compared to the drawn-out one on “Idol”. 2 - Simon Cowell and Paula
Abdul. Need I say more? Three ways “X-Factor” is different from “Idol”: 1 - The
audition process is not in a closed-off room with only the contestant and the
judges. “The X-Factor” auditions are in front of a sold-out theater,
nerve-wracking for ones who have stage fright, but more exciting for the viewers
at home. 2 - No maximum age limit. It is a treat to see hopefuls in their
thirties and up, singing their hearts out for America. For some, it’s their last
chance at musical success. 3 - Each judge will mentor one of four categories
(boys, girls, over 30, group/duo). I like this concept – it reminds me of “The
Voice”. Unlike “Idol”, it will give the judges a chance to get to really know
the contestants and help craft their individual styles.
Now that the auditions and boot camp week are over, the
remaining contestants will compete against each other at the four judges’ homes.
Not sure how the rest of the season will play out, but I do have my favorites.
At this point, it’s too early to tell how “The X-Factor” will do over time, if
it will be as popular as “Idol”. The ratings haven’t been as high as first
projected, but America hasn’t started voting yet either. I’m willing to stick
with “X-Factor” to the finale, just to see what act wins the five-million-dollar
prize.
One last note . . . I’m not sure if it’s because of all the buzz
surrounding “X-Factor” or because it’s up against “Dancing With The Stars”, but
I’ve heard nothing about “The Sing-off”. I have been watching this Monday night
show since it premiered and I’m hooked! Singing acappella and having fun doing
it . . . what a delight to watch.
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