Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul Pictures: Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul attend the world premiere of Fox's "The X Factor" at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on September 14, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
Since its debut in 2004, "The X Factor" has remained the U.K.'s #1 program for the last seven years, peaking with an audience of 21 million for its 2010 finale. The format swiftly broke similar records around the world, where local versions have consistently rated #1. The series has received numerous honors worldwide, and more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.
In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for "The X Factor" judges, Simon Cowell, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, they will do so in front of an audience of thousands - raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to win an unprecedented $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.
Photo credit: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
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