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Sunday 25 September 2011

'The X Factor' Debuts With Nudity & the Best Audition Simon's Ever Heard

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by Sarah Maloy, Ohio | September , 2011 9:05 EDT

Fox
Geo Godley, 43, performs in front of the judges and thousands of audience members on THE X FACTOR airing Wednesday, Sep. 21
Fox

Artists in this Article

Paula Abdul
Aretha Franklin
Bobby Brown
Usher
Cee Lo Green
Simon Cowell
Nicole Scherzinger
The Pussycat Dolls
Adele
Prince
Duffy
Justin Bieber
Cheryl Cole

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'X Factor' Has Glitzy Premiere, Complete With Simon-Paula Bickering

A group of 10 Epic Records executives were among the 800 people who packed Hollywood's Cinerama Dome movie theater to hear their boss L.A. Reid talk about "The X Factor," the Fox show that made its glitzy world premiere Wednesday night.

Simon Cowell Q&A: Age Is Just a Number on 'X Factor'

Simon Cowell started a quick conversation by soliciting an opinion from this reporter about the premiere episode of The "X Factor" that will tonight (Sept. 21) on Fox. After noting that it is indeed as he has said it would be -- over the top, full-bore production values and loaded with emotional back-stories -- he seemed pleased with the assessment.

Viewers who missed the first few minutes of Fox's "The X Factor" may have thought they were watching "American Idol" reruns were it not for the addition of a fourth judge, pre-teen and group contestants, and an emphasis on inspirational backstories over humiliating fake auditions. The show also comes with a $5 million recording contract for one talented winner.

Judge and creator Simon Cowell was joined on the British singing competition's debut U.S. episode by former "Idol" cohort Paula Abdul, record executive L.A. Reid and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Also judging for the first half of the show was former British "X Factor" judge Cheryl Cole, who was replaced by Scherzinger after the Los Angeles auditions.

Simon Cowell Q&A: Age Is Just a Number on 'X Factor'

The premiere hooked viewers with the first contestant -- a 13-year-old star who stole the show. Adorable and sassy Rachel Crow had spunk, stage presence and pipes that made Simon's jaw drop. After telling the judges how she would spend her $5 million -- on a house for her family, six of whom currently live in a two-bedroom home -- her performance of Duffy's"Mercy" was met with rabid applause. Simon said that the "X Factor" team heavily debated the minimum age for contestants, finally landing on 13. "You were the reason why we were right taking the age down," he told Crow.

Video: Rachel Crow singing "Mercy" on "X Factor," Sept. 21

The show rushed through a few more "yes" votes: buff and soulful Terrell Carter; Ellona Santiago, a timid teen with powerful vocals; and 14-year-old John Lindahl, a Bieber clone who showed off his dance moves and belted out Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" before being swarmed backstage by a screaming hoard of adolescent girls.

Video: Terrell Carter, Ellona Santiago and John Lindahl audition on "X Factor"

30-year-old Siameze Floyd, a self-proclaimed "magastar" had a few more obstacles on his way to the next round. His resemblance to Prince was undeniable -- something the judges were all quick to point out -- as he repeatedly jumped into the splits and high-kicked in heels, a mesh top and a blow-out. All but L.A. Reid chose to send him on, including Simon, who said: "You're talented but you're deluded."

Video: Siameze Floyd's "X Factor" audition, Sept. 21


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