The X Factor — Season 1, Episode 1: Auditions No. 1
Reality • 30 min • 3 seasons, 79 episodes • ★ 4.8/10
Episode synopsis
It's time. Simon Cowell's return to U.S. television on "The X Factor" arrives Wednesday night, sporting the largest prize in TV history: a $5 million recording contract. The judges are introduced: In addition to Simon, we've got Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul, "and introducing..." Cheryl Cole. The opening sequence features big, dramatic moments -- including Paula sobbing like nobody's business, and Simon saying he's "hating this," the whole thing is some kind of bleeped expletive and it's "just not working." Then we get title music that sounds eerily similar to "America's Got Talent." Host Steve Jones explains the whole deal: The first audition in L.A. has 20,000 people waiting to audition, which Steve calls a record audition turnout for the city. The rules: Anyone over 12 can audition, either solo or in a group. Then the judges are introduced -- again. Simon says he "walked away from the number one show in America to start a new show. The whole thing's a gamble." L.A. Reid says he walked away from his job as chairman at Island-Def Jam Records. Cheryl Cole joins the auditions in L.A., and Paula is back, saying she's "looking forward to sitting next to my partner in crime."
About The X Factor
The X Factor was a singing competition on a mission to find America’s next undiscovered superstar. The X Factor, on FOX is going to give someone like you the chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music. What’s great about The X Factor is that it is open to anyone – vocal groups and solo singers, over the age of 12 – and there’s absolutely no upper age limit.