Review Revue: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul And The American ‘X Factor’ Lineup
Sorry, American Idol and The Voice, but The X Factor is now an inevitability for American audiences. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones — they’re all lined up for the fall premiere of the US version of the popular British singing competition that launched the careers of Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Shayne Ward and, most recently, Matt Cardle abroad. So what did the Internet have to say about the stars involved on tap the upcoming Fox program? Read on! :: E! Online reported on the dynamic in the judges’ lineup: “Just like old times, then. Well, almost. Because if it were truly old times, then Cowell would be the most feared and acid-tongued judge on the panel. And judging by yesterday’s auditions, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Instead, that honor seems to go to L.A. Reid…”
:: The Daily Mail noted a fashion clash between Abdul and Cheryl Cole: “When the two met up for a photo op, fashion observers seemed to feel Abdul had a bit of an edge, even though her purple silk Yves Saint Laurent dress caught a wind gust when she stepped out of her car (leading to an embarrassing moment). Cole was clad in an orange ruffled blouse, turquoise belt and purple pants that, although on trend in terms of this spring’s bright colors, were way too long and completely covered her feet.”
:: The Stir stirred the ish up with this comment: “Basically, Simon Cowell has created a brand new version of American Idol, and he’s cherry-picking the elements that worked best from his rival Simon Fuller’s show. Which, of course, includes the is-she-high-or-isn’t-she Ms. Abdul.”
:: Celebitchy got a few straight-up digs in, as well: “Well Paula will certainly make things more interesting, if not harder to understand. Cowell needed a big name to join him on the panel and while Reid and Cole are both famous they don’t have Paula’s name recognition. I like her and find her very sweet, but she’s definitely loopy as hell.”
:: UK-based blog That Grape Juice noticed a bit of an imbalance: “Though this is undeniably a coup for Scherzinger (as her Stateside career was in much need of the gig), something about the whole set-up is jarring to say the least. She’s infinitely more talented and qualified than Cole, yet will stand there reading cue-cards, while her lessor sits judging talent. Like, really.”
:: And then there’s co-host Steve Jones. Who? Exactly. BBC News gave a crash course: “With his movie star good looks, Jones briefly flirted with an acting career, enjoying a small part in the British film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and a minor role as himself in two episodes of the Channel 4 television series Plus One.”
Let us know your own thoughts on the US X Factor lineup below!
