MilordSuccotash

 With a highly elaborate, futurist set design, slight edgier and a more colorful pop sensibility, The X Factor could almost dissolve the squeaky middle American Windex shine Idol has exhaustively tried to maintain - even while trudging through its fair share of lusty controversy. X Factor comes with flare, pizzazz, sparkle, moreover brand ownership for Simon, contrary to the latter whose Idolized exit comes with no surprise. And when Simon says jump those who defy, will be left for check as the king, bishop and knight set mate? Boding perhaps the Paula predetermined jump. Looks like he has a few tricks up his sleeve, as the plot/game thickens.  “And now poor Simple Simon bids you all ‘Adieu.’”

In the vanguard of the talent reality show movement, American Idol is known for its cookie cutter image, just ask Frenchie Davis or Antonella Barba, (both disqualified for their scandalous photos) clearly they didn’t read the fine print, “those with skeletons in their closet need not apply.” More importantly, Idol provides the average aspiring artist with a shot at a famed music career granted one is blessed with Simon Cowell’s stark endorsement. The Idol franchise has spawned successful acts among the many, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Moreover, they “own” their primetime slot, consistently taking home top-ratings season after season. However, 19 Entertainment (creators of the Idol franchise) went astray in the handling of Idol’s “franchise”, Simon Cowell. The impetuous 19 left Simon without equity share early on. And now a day late and a dollar short, Simon most recently declined 19’s $100 million offer to extend his contract, Simply said, Simon isn’t that simple. With 6 successful seasons underneath his belt, Simon has sights set on bringing his highly acclaimed UK The X Factor stateside, to cash in on Idol’s market share in the Fall of 11’.

Simon’s Americanize X Factor will effectively be the same in format to his UK version. The X Factor emphasizes their focus on artist development, singers that make the first cut, Idol’s “Hollywood” are then sent on to a so-called "boot camp" round to which the singers go through an “artist development” process. Following another elimination during boot camp, the remaining singers are then assigned a judge who mentors them throughout the show. Finally, 12 singers are sent through to the final round: live televised performances that have viewers vote for their favorites. Appearance wise, X Factor’s set is flamboyant, resplendent, and vivacious with glowing lights akin an illustrious Vegas show. Additionally, unlike Idol, X allows groups as well as solo artists prove they have the "X Factor" in competition. 

 One would say competition is always good for business, isn’t it? 19 figures the show must and will go on, and they are confident in their hopes of finding either another Simon  (decently known UK music exec with slapstick attitude) or choosing a head honcho music exec as a replacement i.e. a Tommy Mattola?(Who, according to Finke, is knee-deep in a bidding war to end up either on Idol or The X Factor) Essentially, we’re looking at a head to head battle of the titans, underdog Simon Cowell and Greenwell Entertainment (recent joint venture with Cowell and Sir Phillip Green (a UK billionaire retailer tycoon)) vs. Simon Fuller (billionaire media mogul) and 19 Entertainment, akin to the Leno O’Brien Letterman fiasco (perhaps not but even still you get my point), may the best Simon win. And what’s even crazier, that walking, talking, hot mess of controversy, Paula Abdul leaving American Idol ordeal may have all been a publicity stunt.  Seemly as an omen to come, the bitter break-up will prove to be more of a seamless exit strategy for Abdul crossing viewers over to The X Factor as a judge (less worse than a host). It is quite clear, Cowell has been planning this for some time now aligning himself with his billionaire bishop and perhaps opposites attract in choosing his knight. Needless to say, we all know of the basic checkmates, this is the most difficult one to force, as these two pieces cannot form a linear barrier to the enemy king from a distance. Also, the checkmate can be forced only in a corner that the bishop controls. In this case, Sir Green will need to use his corporate muscle to win this battle, and controlling this arena (cable network politics in this case Fox) will be a challenging feat. However, with different “niches”, Idol’s clean cut, and X Factor’s edge, perhaps coexistence could be a remediate option. At this point Simon’s set up looks promising but only time will tell and “the #s do not lie”.

Mighty Milord! Without Sucka! Succotash!

2006 Leona Lewis "Bootcamp" The X Factor clip.