Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The X Factor Gets Star Power?

The X Factor Gets Star Power?

What's going on with Fox's The X Factor? For months we've been hearing about all the superstars being considered for the judging panel. From Mariah Carey to Jessica Simpson to George Michael, Simon Cowell appeared to be shooting for the stars -- the most iconic of pop stars -- to draw viewers to his new singing competition.

Then we find out he's reportedly made the ho-hum choice of Enrique Iglesias as the show's host. And the latest reports bring up two more lesser-knowns: Fledgling Gossip Girl (and Pretty Reckless singer) Taylor Momsen as a co-host and R&B/hip hop singer Nicki Minaj as a judge.

Aside from their outrageous fashion choiceswhat do these two have in common? Producers think that their teen appeal will bring down the age of the viewing audience, according to the Post article. It is true that both women tend to wow the under-20 crowd. But neither seem like big enough names to anchor a show that's being marketed as bigger than American Idol.

How many people really watched Momsen as Gossip Girl's youngest social climber, Jenny Humphry, or have continued to follow her singing career since? And while Minaj is undeniably popular, dueting with the likes of will.i.am and appearing on Saturday Night Live, she only just released her first major label album four months ago. It's sold incredibly well, but she's hardly a proven star at this early stage.

What happened to Mariah Carey? Or even Paula Abdul, at this point? Are these other names coming up because The X Factor's producers haven't been able to wrangle their first-choice talent... perhaps because the revamped Idol is doing better than expected? Cowell has a lot riding on this new show. For his sake, we're still waiting for the next announcement, and praying it's someone with a little more notoriety.

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