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.

Do we care? X-Factor joins American Idol vs The Voice...and so it goes

The fall TV line up is just beginning and already the comparison commentary has begun. This week "X-Factor", the singing competition highly promoted by Simon Cowell with good reason - it's his baby - made its debut. The American version of the successful Brit show that instroduced the world to Susan Boyle, boasted a live audience that reacted to the various singers.

As one of the original judges on American Idol since it first began in 2002, he announced his departure in 2010 to create the U.S. version of  "X-Factor." As one of the AI judges and along with Paula Abdul, the two threw verbal jabs at each other and in the end, Abdul ended up joining Cowell on his new project. Nothing like on view hostility, feigned or real, to get tongues wagging and viewers attention.

Have to admit that given all the pre-show attention and TV promos, I joined all the other viewers to see if the new addition justified a weekly committment to another talent show. Basically, that's what it all comes down to: the oldie-but-always-relevant talent parade. Years ago in the days of early TV when color TV was still in the dream stage, Ted Mack hosted "Ted Mack's Amateur Hour", the embryo of today's musical reality shows. It lacked the polish and finish of today's versions but the hopefuls did their thing hoping for stardom. The gimmick was that Mack spun a wheel with the names of the talent lineup to determine their order of appearance. Later the show was joined by the very weirdish, "The Gong Show." Obviously, TV viewers enjoy the idea of watching amateur talent put themselves at the mercy of judges critiques and the at-home voting machine.

As the French say, the more things change, the more they're the same and it will be interesting to see if X-Factor lives up to its hype. If initial ratings are an indication, American Idol has the numbers but it's still the early stages. To its credit, X-Factor doesn't have an age barrier, which is the reason the world is better for having Susan Boyle. In as far as originality is concerned, the show is basically same-old, same-old, IMHO, but some real talent was introduced.

At least the plethora of shows is giving singers, both good and bad, accross the country the opportunity to be heard. Let's be honest: it's an entertaining aspect of the programs. Always interesting to see how off-key some of the contestants can be. At least I restrict my singing to the shower.

American Idol - not exactly the most exciting stuff

I dunno - is it me or is American Idol kind'a - dare I say it - borrring this season. According to the ratings, it's still 'way up there' but from my perspective, I find it yawn-able on occasion.

First of all and again IMHO - the show is missing Simon Cowell or at least somebody who has the same external personna as Cowell. He was the judge we loved to hate or at least dislike, which made the show fun. Also and even writing this seems strange, Paula Abdul with all her 'shtick' and flaky-ness had entertainment value that the show now lacks.

Upon analysis, new judge Steven Tyler looks sort-of - at least visually - like a regurgitated mummy with his thin, somewhat taut skin and definitely showing his age. It's obvious he's attempting to be very cool and hip. He is somewhat entertaining for a short period of time and he does respect young talent...

Jennifer Lopez may be a talented singer but she ain't no Paula Abdul in as far as entertainment value is concerned. She strikes me as a spokesperson for all the major fashion houses who have given her extensive and very tasteful wardrobe. It's as if she's saying: 'look at me - don't I look good in these clothes?' I'm not particularly taken with her - perhaps IMHO, it's that diva personna.

Randy is...Randy is...Randy. The one left-over from the originals. I like the guy but somebody in the powers-that-be decided that he should turn nasty to differentiate his comments from the other two. Go back to being the other Randy, Randy! We (I) miss 'ya!

I've more or less watched the show regularly and on occasion found myself doing the clicker thing, seeing if something more interesting was on. Tonight starts Hollywood week. I'm asking myself do I care. Honestly? Not really.

It will be interesting to see how AI will fare in the ratings dept. against Simon Cowell's "X Factor." Is there room for both?