Cool news! A source has spilt that M-Net is hott on the heels of Simon Cowell's new, much hyped American version of the X-Factor.
Their exact words were that M-Net has: "four fingers out of five on the show," and that it's been scheduled to premiere in the second half of next year, which is when it debuts in the US - on Fox.
As you probs know, Simon Cowell dumped American Idol this year, after nine seasons as a judge. His reason: to dedicate his time to launching the US X-Factor, which is popularly regarded as a rival format to Idol.
The Idol franchise is created by British producer and artist manager Simon Fuller, who stays hidden from the spotlight. He's also an executive producer and co-creator of So You Think You Can Dance.
Simon Cowell launched the first season of The X-Factor in the UK in 2004 (three years after Pop Idol) - as an independent venture and franchise. It resulted in all sorts of scandal and lawsuits between the two Simon's - do a google search about it and you'll see what I mean.
Over time I'd never properly known what all the X-Factor fuss has been about. My impression was that it's very similar to Idols and Popstars, because I haven't understood how it could be different. But it is.
Very. I've been following the news about the latest UK season and for the first time I understand they buzz. The format has a total freedom to it that no other singing show has: anyone of any age can enter. Solo singers or groups. Anyone who believes they have the chops.
It may seem that it's simply a combo of Idols and the Got Talent formats but isn't. It manages to create a very fresh and diverse feel. Also, the judges compete against each other, which delivers an added dimension.
Once the contestants reach the later stages of the competition they divide up and hook-up with a judge, who becomes their mentor. They visit the judges' mansions - truly mind-boggling - and the judges remain by their side throughout the competition, directing them.
They also make mistakes by guiding them in the wrong direction; or thinking that their finalists are wonderful when they're not.
Of course the latest international intrigue surrounding the show is about who'll be judging the US series. The judges on the UK one are: Simon Cowell (natch), music manager Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue (Kylie's bulkier sister) and Cheryl Cole (winner of a UK Popstars).
The only person out of them all that the Americans know is Simon so it's going to be interesting to see who he chooses. Cheryl Cole has been mentioned, more recently Mariah Carey. Looking very likely is: Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who guest-judges on the UK one.
Fast facts about the series, you may know, but don't know you know:
Sharon Osbourne
used to be a series regular judge - before she started looking like the Cat Woman:
You can catch video clips of the show on YouTube. They've been viewed
millions of times.
Leona Lewis won the third season of the UK series, in 2006.