Simon Cowell's "The X Factor" Would Love To Find "Another Carrie Underwood"

After nine years of success on American Idol, Simon Cowell is bringing a new and unique show to America as The X Factor starts the audition process. In this interview, he discusses the show, country music and more.

Matt Bjorke: What separates The X Factor from Idol or other shows looking to discover singing talent?

Simon Cowell: I decided to put the show on then (this coming fall) and I thought about it carefully, knowing there was gonna be a lot of shows like it this year; but I was convinced, based on the success of the show throughout the world, that people would like the show.  I also had great feedback from Americans who had seen the show and asked me if I was going to bring it to America but the main thing that separates the show from all the other shows is that there are really no rules to this show.  The lower age limit is 12; it’s open to vocal groups and there’s open-mindedness as to the kind of artist that we would want to win. I think from the minute that it starts, the auditions take place in arenas, where you’ve got three to four thousand people sitting behind us and they can sing to a backing track, with a piano or a capella.  It’s a very, very different experience.

Matt: So it’s kinda like the America’s Got Talent show that way, with the audience there?

Simon: Yeah, and Got Talent is one of my shows [that I produce], so once we did auditions with an audience, we couldn’t go back from that.  So what we’ve done with X Factor is that we’ve sort of supersized the whole process and moved the auditions into Arenas instead of theaters.

Matt: Why does it seem like country music has helped to give past Idols sustainable careers, maybe more so than other genres?

Simon: Well, it was interesting. With Carrie Underwood, from the first day she came into the audition.  It was honestly like everybody else was in black in white and this girl was in full color.  She was the absolute total package.  She looked the part, she sounded the part, and most of all, she knew who she wanted to be. So I was really one of the first to support her and I would love to find somebody like another Carrie Underwood.  But what we look for on this show, all these shows is to find somebody who’s unique.  So if we find a country singer through the process, I’ll be thrilled.

Matt: What is it about country music that you think makes it more open to accepting artists from programs like Idol and The X Factor?

Simon: I don’t know if it’s specific to country music.  I like to think we try to be as broad-minded as possible.  And we try to put together a panel who know what they’re talking about and can spot talent regardless of age or style of music.  But, you get a good country singer on the show, they always get a very loyal following and do well on these shows.

Matt: Yeah and you see that happening on the show this season with a kid named Scotty.  He’s who he is and knows what he wants to be, true to himself.

Simon: That’s 100% right.  I always say that to artists, you gotta know who you are.  We don’t want somebody who does six things quite well, just stick to what you’re best at doing and show what kind of artist you can be.

Matt: What made L.A. Reid the right man to be the first announced judge, in addition to you?

Simon: Well, the show has to reflect on what’s happening on the charts today. And L.A. has been, particularly the last 12 months; I would classify him as the most-successful record executive in the world right now. His track-record speaks for itself and he’s also a great producer-writer and he was really, really keen to be a part of this show. To be a part of something different and he’s not afraid to share his opinion with that, he knows what he’s talking about.  He’s not there to be popular or unpopular; he’s just got massive amounts of experience and with me launching this show in America, I had to have someone like him on the panel to help guide me through the process.

Matt: I would think that’s a must; that’s what I loved about your judging on Idol.  You didn’t sugar-coat anything and further people’s delusional attitudes towards their dream.  I know I can’t sing and wouldn’t want to be told I’m great when I’m not…

Simon: I 100% agree with you and I think that in a way you’re insulting your audience because if they hear something terrible and you hear them saying to that person, “you’ve got a great opportunity” when you know they haven’t. I mean it’s ridiculous.

Matt: Well, Simon thanks for talking with us and I’m sure our audience will not only enjoy watching the show but some of them will be willing to come out to the auditions…

Simon: Well, thank you very much, indeed and spread the word, Matt.  All country singers really are welcome.  Just be prepared and come up with a song we’ve never heard before and you’ve got a shot.

If you’re interested in auditioning for The X Factor, you can audition starting this coming Sunday, March 27 2011 in Los Angeles at the L.A. Sports Arena.  Following Auditions will take place on Thursday, April 7 in Miami, FL; Thursday, April 14 in Newark, NJ; Wednesday April 20 in Seattle Washington; Wednesday April 27 in Chicago, IL; and Dallas, TX will round out the auditions on Thursday, May 26, 2011. 

The show is searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.  Interested solo artists and vocal groups should sign up now for audition information at www.fox.com/theXfactor or call toll-free 855-345-5678.

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