The X Factor

Having watched three editions of this new Simon Cowell led enterprise I think we have a pretty clear picture of what it is and what it is not.

With Simon and Paula Abdul, some fellow responsible for acts such as Justin Bieber, and a rotating fourth judge this show is not different from Idol in any significant way.

It is my understanding that the format might change once the show is down to the chosen artists. Taking a cue from The Voice perhaps each judge will be responsible for a select group of contestants. That will bring some good interactions and might be enjoyable to watch.

Still these shows are singing shows and people who watch tune in to see and hear that. It is easy to be cynical about these shows and indeed at times I find myself being so. Then however a person comes on stage and everything changes. Last night an unkempt gentleman from Ohio, thirty years old, rattily dressed and stating his Mom drove him because she would like to see him do something with his talent. He currently slings burritos as he put it.

The man told Simon he would be singing " At Last" a song Simon has stated he would like to see banned from proposed song lists. The man opened his mouth and it was magic. What a voice. What a gift. Will that translate to success in the later parts of the show. We cannot know. Still moments like that are why these shows are successful. Unlike much of what we see on television occassionally you can be surprised and uplfted by success from an unlikely place.

Paula Abdul got frustrated with David Letterman last week when he insisted that the show was really not different from Idol. The truth is, it is not but anyone who has seen the ratings would want to explain why it should be. This show will be successful.

The only possible concern is that with these shows X Factor and Idol now on back to back is will there be an eventual burnout amongst the core audience.