Now here's something we almost missed: Simon Cowell hasn't yet signed a new contract with Fox so he can continue being a judge on American Idol.  Then again, the only thing that's left to be worked out are the details, but it seems those details are the ones hitting the snags.  Now, there are rumors that Fox are letting Simon do one thing they never let him do before so he'll stay: bring The X Factor to these shores.

That show, as we all know, is a huuuge singing competition show in the UK, bringing in not just solo artists (as is the case with Idol) but also groups.  Each group--boys, girls, contestants over 25, and groups--will be mentored by one of the four judges, making it a competition of sorts.  (Apart from Cowell, also judging are Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, and Cheryl Cole, who was rumored to be joining Idol.) Best known as the show that gave us Leona Lewis, it's currently begun its latest season across the pond.  Oh, and it's created and produced by a certain Simon Cowell.

It's no secret that Simon hopes to see The X Factor brought to the United States.  Some speculated that it's exactly what he'll do, if he decides to leave Idol, and especially back when that possibility was really strong.  His current contract with Fox doesn't allow him to bring that show here, fearing that it will go alongside Idol.  But he did point out that nothing is going on for half a year, in the fall, when Idol is off the air, and that's a gap that he wants to fill.

The bottom line is, Fox is reportedly keen on giving Simon the chance to bring The X Factor here, making it a win-win situation for both parties.  Fox gets a second talent show in the fall, and they get to keep Simon.  As for the shirted Brit, he gets his usual Idol paycheck, plus the possible profits from producing The X Factor.  The Hollywood Reporter reports that it could amount to around $100 million all in all.

But do we really need another singing competition on TV?

I haven't seen The X Factor, even on YouTube, but the concept sounds interesting--at least the mentoring bit, and the inter-judge competition that comes with it.  But with Idol having a hold on the format for most of the past nine years, what else can be done?  I have this weird feeling it will suffer from a shortage of sorts.  (But you can say Idol still has good talent going for it, and that's nine years after.)

Saturation?  Could be.  Idol is a big event.  Someone rivals it, someone has to give.  I almost smell disaster, but I'm not sure.

Then again, this is just rumor.  But already there's speculation that if this does happen, Paula Abdul is headed to this show as a judge.  If this does push through, well, I wouldn't be surprised.





- Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of Fox)