The X Factor Format

The popular British talent competition, the X Factor, is coming to American shores courtesy of Simon Cowell. The show features public auditions that allow solo artists or bands to compete. Depending on the style and age of the contestant (group, solo, over or under 25, etc.) performers will be assigned a judge once getting through the initial audition process. In addition, the judges serve as advisers and mentors.

The groups then go through a series of “boot camps” that involve performances and eliminations, and finally end up at “judges’ houses” where they receive further instruction and elimination.

When the groups have all been narrowed down, they come together to compete in live shows to determine the final victor. 

What separate the X Factor from similar reality shows is the hands on approach the judges take with contestants. The contestants are–as mentioned previously–split up into different groups depending on age, gender, and whether they are a solo act or a band. The judges are assigned to a particular group, and work with them to improve the performer’s skills and help them decide on appropriate acts to perform. This gives a more personal touch to the show as the judges are doing more than simply critiquing performances. 

The X Factor has had spin-offs from the original UK show all over the world; the American version will be aired on Fox in September of 2011. Developments for the show are posted on the show’s website.