That’s right, the X Factor USA two-night premiere will air each part one night behind in the UK on ITV2 at 8PM on Thursday and 9PM on Friday. The rest of the US season should follow the same one-day-late schedule.

There will be a lot in common between the two variants but still a few changes. The audition age was lowered, likely to compete with American Idol’s own lowered audition age the other year. But the big difference will be in the prize money. While UK’s X Factor awards 1 million pounds, the USA X Factor will be handing out $5 million, allegedly spread out over 5 years at a million each. Still not too shabby!

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ITV Director of Television Peter Fincham confirmed that Cowell would have a reduced role so he could concentrate on The X Factor USA.

“We have been in constant negotiations with Simon about ways in which we can move things forward and help The X Factor evolve. We have been aware that his on-screen involvement in this series will not be as great as previous years for months now,” he admitted.

It’s been the rumor for awhile, but at least we know for sure. This should be a big boost for the US version as we know we’ll have Simon’s full attention.

Also of note from the MTV article is that Cheryl Cole could get replaced by Mel B. on the UK version. Initially that sounds like she’d need replacing because she’s coming over here, but instead she is going back to “Blighty.” I had no idea what that meant, but Google says it’s slang for Britain. If Cheryl is planning to spend more time in Britain then that certainly wouldn’t put her out in Los Angeles to be a judge. Hmm…

Source: MTV UK

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Simon Cowell is planning to leave the U.K. version of The X Factor to focus on the launch of the American version of the show, but his spokesperson cautions that no decision has been made yet. The Daily Mail quoted an insider at ITV, which airs the show in Britain, as saying that balancing both shows “is just not feasible.”

Cowell’s camp intimated that a final decision is not expected soon.

While I’m not surprised by this outcome, I’m sure it must be a difficult choice for Cowell to make. But if the USA version takes off like it did when he came over for American Idol, then it’s the right choice.

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In a press conference call this afternoon, ‘X Factor’ mastermind Simon Cowell confirmed that Fergie’s name was “put forward” in the ongoing saga of settling on a panel of judges for the fall show.

“We’re still having nightly arguments (over the judges’ selection),” said Cowell. It seems ‘The X Factor’ creator is willing to wait it out to find the right fit, rather it’s the show’s audition process he’s more concerned with.

I’m not a big fan of Fergie’s so I’m hoping this is all just rumor mill or distraction news from the X Factor camp. There are a lot better options out there than Fergie. Like this mug here on my desk or my dog. Her English isn’t great, but she’s eager to please. See, those were two quick, easy alternatives.

Source: PopEater

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What makes the situation worse is that Simon is likely planning to drag away his UK co-judge, Cheryl Cole, as we have often reported here on the site. If they lose 2 of their judges would the show press on without them? Possibly. Maybe.

Despite being desperate to hold onto Cowell and Cole for the UK show though – for which auditions kicked off earlier this month- ITV bigwigs fear it will mess up the entire TV schedule.

‘ITV is looking at a range of options to keep Cheryl and Simon. But changing dates would play havoc with ITV’s schedule and the auditions have already begun.

Plans for both the US and UK shows are still up in the air. Despite promising details by the end of February, music mogul Simon is yet to confirm any judges positions – apart from his own – for either show.

I’d say plans for X Factor 2011 in the US is a lot less up in the air then they’re claiming. While the UK flavor might be the original there’s a much more massive audience waiting for Cowell on this side of the Atlantic.

Source: Metro.co.uk

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A record audience of nearly 20 million British viewers flocked to the “X Factor’s” Sunday night finale, which awarded a 1 million-pound ($1.6 million) recording contract to painter Matt Cardle, heretofore unknown beyond his immediate circle of friends.

The British experience suggests the headline-grabbing, rags-to-riches show may be a smash in the United States when it debuts next year, even if it’s got some strong similarities to the popular but waning “American Idol.”

$1.6 million for prize money?! That’s a lot of money to give to the winner and considering the budget is supposed to be even bigger here in America I’m wondering how much they’ll get here. Maybe they’ll just make it a record contract instead and put the rest of that change right back in Simon’s pocket!

Source: AP

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