The X Factor creator and judge Simon Cowell confirmed that the singing competition show will return to the United States after a ten-year hiatus. The series originated in the United Kingdom in 2004, and has had many versions around the globe. The X Factor premiered in America in 2011 where it aired for three seasons. The American version featured winners Melanie Amaro (season 1), Tate Stevens (season 2), and duo Alex & Sierra (season 3), but the most successful act created by the show was Fifth Harmony, who placed third in season 2. The contestants were split into groups based on categories such as Boys, Girls, Over 25's, Groups, and others, who were guided by mentors. The mentors for the United States version of The X Factor throughout the three seasons were Simon, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio.
In an interview with The U.S. Sun, Simon revealed that The X Factor is returning to the United States ten years after its cancellation by Fox. Now, Simon has made a deal with NBC to bring the show back. Simon said, "I have a saying in life that's always go where you've got the best invitation - and NBC has offered us to make the show here. Which means we'll make the show here." Simon added, "We found our perfect partner with NBC - honestly, I am not just saying that because they pay me, but they are brilliant."
Simon Cowell Confirms That The X Factor Will Be Revived On NBC
Simon already has much success on NBC with his other show, America's Got Talent, and is looking forward to the 2023 premiere of America's Got Talent: All-Stars. He said of the network, "I just really like them, got on well with them and they get a kick out of seeing people succeed on [AGT]." Simon also revealed that there is more interest in reviving The X Factor in America than the United Kingdom, where the show was canceled after 14 years in 2018. He said, "So you go where the best navigation is and if I am being honest there is more excitement to make it here than in the UK."
Simon has always had an incredible knack for finding the best talent on reality competition shows. As an original American Idol judge, he helped launch the careers of some of the show's most successful contestants including winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. On the UK version of The X Factor, Simon collaborated with Nicole to create One Direction, whose members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Niall Horan, have all gone on to achieve individual success. Simon was also there as Little Mix and James Arthur began their paths to stardom. He also worked with the other mentors on the American version of The X Factor to put together Fifth Harmony, whose members Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregiu, and Camila Cabello have been very successful solo artists as well.
The X Factor was an exciting show when it aired. The idea of creating various competing groups, mentored by the show's superstar judges including Simon, made it thrilling to watch. The first three seasons were filled with so many talented artists. As The X Factor prepares to make its triumphant return to American television, fans will eagerly await announcements about who will mentor the contestants this time around. Those mentors will search for the competitors who have The X Factor.
Sources: The U.S. Sun, Simon Cowell/Instagram