X-Factor judges getting nasty and silly

As is the case with numerous TV viewers, I'm watching "X-Factor (USA) having read a lot of hype about the British version. Another reason is that the powers-that-be put Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on the same show even if their continuous bickering is for effect and to increase the show ratings, as was the case when they peformed the same routine as judges on American Idol.

The only thing I'm familiar with in as far as X-Factor judge, Nicole Scherzinger, is that she was a singer with the Pussycat Dolls and the winner of the 10th season of Dancing With the Stars. Not sure if this accomplishment is something that should be added to her resume but I digress. Obviously, when putting X-Factor together, they decided that her presence would be a draw. Then we have LA Reid whose credentials as a record executive, songwriter and record producer make him a good choice and addition to the show. Not that Simon Cowell is a slouch in this area. Last is the "presenter" as the Brits call it, Steve Jones. Nothing much to say about him other than I find his style distasteful. Period.

The X-Factor differs from AI in that once the elimination process is completed and the field narrowed down, singers are categorized and the judges become the mentors. This concept in itself is enough to create competitiveness among them given their day jobs of creating musical personalities. It does, however, make for fun TV watching.

So Simon Cowell eliminates all of Paula's contestants after which Paula gets revenge by eliminating one of Simon's pet female singers aided by LA Reid and Nicole S. The show is turning into a "revenge-factor 101" as the judges denegrate each other's singers as a means in which to hang on to their own group contestants. As Simon pleaded - actually pleaded - with TV viewers to vote for Melanie Amaro (one of my favorites btw) to "keep her out of the pirhanna pool." "Ya gotta love it - Cowell actually begging viewers to retain one of his singers! We all know who he's referring to when he used the term, "pirhanna pool." To show you how this has become shark infested waters, judges have taken to directly psyching out the singers as a means to achieve a weak performance. What is it that they say... 'revenge is a dish best served cold?' As I recall, Cowell dissed Abdul's singers and choice of singing material. Ditto for Scherzinger. As mentioned, anything to increase the ratings, which it appears are not what they hoped they would be.

In the end and although it may not have the sophistication of an X-Factor (more like a kindergarten), I'll definitely opt for Ryan Seacrest's style as show host introducing the contestants, over a pompous Steve Jones. The latter is a thoughtless and insensitive oaf, IMHO.

They're promoting American Idol already and count me in as one who will be watching. Sometimes genteel is the way to go.