Cowell's been counting his pennies.
After one false start, the Australian version of X Factor is going to be subject to the close scrutiny of one Mr S. Cowell.
Following the massive success of the format elsewhere globally, but a "failed" first season in Australia, Simon Cowell is determined to ensure that with his hand guiding the rudder more forcefully, the X Factor will emulate the success (and money-making potential) that has been seen elsewhere in the world.
As the show develops over the coming months, Cowell promises that it will be the focus of his full attention.
Indeed, at Cowell's insistence, Seven has invested nearly $22 million in the project, to ensure that shortcuts taken by a broadcaster do not devalue the talent behemoth that he has created. =Such a budget will potentially make the series the most expensive Australian television production of all time.
In combination with the budget, the judges are high profile and with global reach -- something that will be required if the viral nature of the show is to develop through YouTube and Facebook. The primary judges will include Natalie Imbruglia, Ronan Keating and Kyle Sandilands.
The X Factor monster has just reached Regent Theatre in Melbourne ready for three days of auditions, after completing preliminary auditions at Milsons Point in Sydney last weekend.
Whatever happens to this show after this season, you can be sure that for the next few months the X Factor machine will be inescapable as Seven fires all cylinders to ensure a hit.
Will you be watching? Or are you sick and tired of the "Got Talent" and "Idol" breed of programming?
I can not stand Kyle Sandilands so definitely will steer clear of this which is exactly what I do with Got Talent, Idol while he was on it and his radio show.
I would watch Idol, but that's the only show in this format I would touch. X Factor is pure crap, and the "Got Talent" franchise is even worse.
There was a 1st season of this crap here?