Paula Abdul Returns To Television - In A Big Way

You know, as much flak as I gave Paula Abdul when she was on American Idol, I kinda missed her.  I don't think Idol was ever the same once she left.  With the addition of Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen the following year - it was just too much.

I'm happy to say, that Paula is back! Yes, you are reading this correctly.  She was hand-picked by Simon Cowell as the fourth judge on his new show, The X-Factor.  

I first heard about this 2 months ago, but put off talking about it until I knew it was official, and it became official on Mother's Day! She will be joining Cheryl Cole and Antonio "L.A." Reid on the Judge's table this fall.

What is the X-Factor?  Well, luckily for you back in February I wrote a post titled, "What Is The X-Factor?" - There is also a trailer by Simon Cowell himself.  

America’s sweetheart, world-renowned choreographer and pop icon Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX. Abdul, who sat alongside Cowell for eight seasons as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, has worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and two Kids’ Choice Awards. Abdul will join Cole, Cowell, and Reid as they travel to THE X FACTOR audition cities searching for the next global superstar or breakout music group. “This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this – I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” said Simon Cowell. “I am excited beyond words to be a part of THE X FACTOR. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” said Paula Abdul. “I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!” “Paula is not only the lovely, nurturing person that America fell in love with, but she’s also one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen — which makes her a perfect fit to judge THE X FACTOR,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Paula and Simon have undeniable chemistry, and together with L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole, I think we’ve put together an incredibly entertaining judges’ panel.” “I’m thrilled to be working with Paula again,” says executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “A consummate entertainer in her own right, she has an extraordinary talent and generosity for nurturing performers — and her chemistry with Simon Cowell is like no other. I especially look forward to seeing her signature sensibilities in action during our mentoring rounds!” Auditions continue in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, May 26. THE X FACTOR 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 fox.com/theXfactor or call toll-free 855-345-5678. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for THE X FACTOR judges, 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.

Welcome back Paula! I can't wait to see you with Simon once again.  Just lay off the drugs and alcohol this time, lmao, just say'n.

Our Gays Just Keep on Winning Singing Competitions

In a quickly changing world, it seems our family is being dished out one by one.  You may recall my post on the gorgeous, out and proud Joseph McElderry winning the X-Factor crown in the UK.  Well it seems that a 15-year-old lesbian by the name of Sarah Connor won the title for Denmark last month. 

Sarah has won herself a million dollars and a recording contract,  And if you think the X-Factor has nothing on American Idol, think again.  They are the biggest singing competition on the other side of this planet, and this fall, Simon Cowell and his crew will bring the popular show into our homes.

Congratulations Sarah on this amazing achievement!  Below she performs Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," for the win.

What is the X-Factor?

You may have overheard it in a water-cooler conversation at work, learned about it while dancing at a club, or discovered it while browsing the web. The X-Factor is coming to the United States in September, and I'd have to say, apart from Wonder-woman this is the show I'm most eager to watch.

You're probably thinking that this is an American Idol rip-off doomed for failure, but that's where you're mistaken, the show has been around for 7 seasons.  With Simon Cowell at the helm, the show flopping is rather unlikely, he is the producer and creator of the show after all.

There are major differences between Idol and X-factor - the first one being that it's open to anyone, of any age.  You can be part of a group of 800, in a duo, trio, single, it doesn't matter.  The auditions are held in front of 3,000-4,000 people, the finalists are mentored by a judge who is assigned a category and then aids the contestant with song selection and styling.  There are many more surprises in store, check out this amazing trailer by Simon Cowell and you be the judge.