Americans fall in love with the modern Cinderella story, of how ordinary people like themselves find their way to fame and stardom. FOX has brought viewer many versions of this in their shows touching hearts and attracting the viewer’s ears.
Simon Cowell first brought viewers “American Idol” and captured people’s heart and dreams. But he has now left his chair at “Idol” to invoke some friendly competition, bringing “X Factor” to American living rooms.
What separates these two shows and how is “X Factor” an individual, and not a re-run idea? Research has shown there are six main differences between these rivals and they consist of the following:
1) The Rules: on American Idol the competition is strictly for solo singers from ages 15 to 28. While X Factor opens the competition to contestants who may be solo artist or in groups ranging in ages 12 to 100 giving everyone a chance to chase their dreams.
2) The Sponsors: When Simon Cowell left Idol he also abandoned his long time sponsor Coca Cola for their arch rival Pepsi.
3) The Atmosphere: The X Factor auditions take place in auditoriums with stages that make their viewers feel like a star right out of the gate. While American Idol makes its contestants earn their stage.
4) The Mentoring: Unlike on American Idol, X Factor puts its contestants through boot camp and mentoring by one of the four judges.
5) Simon Cowell: When Simon was a judge on Idol he was brutal to contestants and did not sugar coat anything. Could it be Simon is softer and more sincere, or is it just an act since his own money’s at stake?
6) The Stakes: Idol’s winners receive a one million dollar recording contract to begin their career. Knowing this Simon is raising the stakes offering X Factors winner a five million dollar contract and a spot in a Pepsi commercial.
Both shows offer money and fame but that’s not all that’s at stake, for one lucky person they can make their dreams come true.