X-Factor (UK) vs. American Idol
 

It's not fair, I know, but this is really a temperature check for me. I've always wanted to make a poll on this!

So what do you think is the better singing competition: X-Factor (UK) or American Idol?

Key points to compare:
-format
-contestants
-winners
-judges

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For me, X-Factor blows American Idol out of the water. Especially after watching last year's X-Factor clips on YouTube, there's no way American Idol can compare.

First of all, the format makes so much more sense. Having different categories (and not having any age limit) gives all kinds of people chances. Plus, the judges have much more say in the competition, which is what it should essentially be about. The power they have is just amazing.

Which brings me to point number two: the contestants and winners. American Idol has what, three successful winners out of eight seasons? And only Kelly Clarkson is humangous elsewhere; Carrie's country doesn't fly anywhere else. But X-Factor made Leona Lewis, the biggest artist to come around this era, IMO. Plus, all the contestants on the X-Factor (especially season five) are AMAZING. Very rarely are they weak, compared to American Idol's first few to be eliminated. That comes back around to the judging.

The judges on the X-Factor are SO much more competent than American Idol. May be with the addition of Kara they have a little more credibility, but Randy and Paula don't stack up to Louis or Cheryl. Dannii I think is the softest, but she's not that soft either.

Overall, I think X-Factor really has the "X Factor" when it comes to their show. They have a much better format with competent judges and amazing talents. And they don't let audiences screw thet talented in the beginning, and let the entertaining win (Taylor Hicks? Just because he has grey hair?).

X-Factor is so much better, let's look at the last XFactor season and the current AI, AI is so boring compared to XF. Xf is exciting and fun, especially the part where the judges have to compete with each other, XF totally wins over AI!

plus, talk about the winner, OK where have Fantasia, Ruben Studdard (i can't even remember his name correctly), Taylor Hicks gone? Leona Lewis has became a global phenomenon, Shayne Ward has an amazing career in Europe & Asia, Leon Jackson released an awesome album, Alexandra Burke is expected to follow Leona's footsteps soon. That's it. XF produced people who not only has talent but also has that X Factor that helps them shine. that's why XF is million times better than AI. i don't even want to talk about AI judges, so borrrrring!

they both are pretty good. but X-Factor ALL THE WAY!! they actually dance in X-Factor!! :D
wayy more entertaining

american Idol for me

The differences are so small, that if one show decided to change just a few things, it would turn into the other show. In the end, the viewers of XF decide the bottom 2 and ultimately the winner anyway, so I don't think the audience screws up talents more in AI than XF.

As for winners I don't know much about the British ones, but like you said Kelly Clarkson made it big, Carrie is a huge star in the US at least, the biggest music market in the world, David Cook is doing well and Jordin Sparks had a couple of overseas hits as far as I remember.

X Factor had Leona Lewis, but biggest star of this era? I don't know. Then you mention the quality of the singers participating, that's highly subjective.

I guess I'll say AI because I know more people from that, but they're so alike I'd vote for both if that was an option.

Both shows suck.

@zoomzoom:

Of course, that is my opinion, which is subjective to my point of view. But after I saw the X-Factor version of Hero (which my friends have agreed to be stunning), my opinion shifted completely in favor of the Brits. (Video in spoiler)



And I base Leona's success on her massive global status. I mean, she's the first reality TV show winner to be given a worldwide debut (which I'm sure Clarkson could have had, too), but to be so successful so fast is rare.

Plus, I think AI became infamous for the horrible auditions compared to the great ones. That's what really turned me away, when they showcased less talented people and more "entertaining" auditions. I'm pretty sure they strayed away from that recently, though.

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I have heard, and I'm sure for me it's the case, but "the grass is always greener".

well, american idol is so far the BEST, but X-Factor made believe, like Leona Lewis

I like American Idol more, so I'm going to have to pick that.

I've never been able to watch X-Factor...like I've seen some scenes...but that's it...

but I always thought for some reason that they were connected by Simon Cowell... I remember him being on a talk show and showing them Leona Lewis and saying she was gonna be the next big thing...

and she is lol But yeah, I figured they were like the same show lol

The X-Factor :).

I think both programs are terrible, set music back 3837 years, have bad production values and are just plain ridiculous and cringe-worthy.

That said, The X Factor UK is better.

I don't get your point. Leona Lewis had a successful album but she's nowhere near being the biggest artist of the era. She had ONE huge selling album and exactly ONE worldwide hit.

Also, besides Leona and Alexandra (which is only doing OK), all the other The X Factor winners flopped badly. American Idol had Carrie Underwood (which was not big worldwide but did amazingly well in the US, which is more than Alex) and Kelly Clarkson (which was huge) so they're actually tied.

The X-Factor by a mile!

Dannii Minogue rules!!!

American Idol is better. :D Only thing that I like about X-Factor is that they don't have any limit ages stuff or something like that. I find American Idol more entertaining. :)