Simon Cowell Q&A

Why did you make the changes to the auditions?

It was time to change things, make it different, and
make it more challenging. I have always believed in
change. The audience brings something completely
new to the auditions; it’s tougher but it brings new
dimensions to the performances. We are looking
fora winnerwhohas the whole package – vocally, has
charisma and stage presence. Holding auditions in
front of the live audiences is testing but also allows
certain people and real talent to shine from day one
and that’s why we’ve done the show this way round.
The acts really have to perform from the moment they
step out.

Are you pleased with the new audition format for The

X Factor, has it changed, does the show feel bigger?
The show gets bigger and bigger every year, I believe in
changing and constantly raising the bar – and with the
change in the audition process it feels bigger right from
the outset. Thousands of people have watched parts of
auditions and have been part of it. IfI didnt believe the
show would be bigger and find someone better every
year, I wouldnt do the show.

Have you had many memorable auditions this year
and if so, can you tell us about them?

There have been some outstanding auditions this year
and some totally bizarre ones. There are a few which
spring to mind but I don’t want to go into detail. A
lotcan change as the series goes on and actsdevelop
differently. We have had great performances from acts
in each category so it’s going to be a great competition
and I think everyone will be surprised by some of the
auditions who really stand out.

What are you looking for on this year’s show?

I hope that over the past few years, we’ve encouraged a
different type of contestant. I would love to find a great
male singer this year, the girls have kind of dominated
it and it’s time for the boys to fight back this year. I would
love to find someone different – I don’t want someone
who sounds like someone else. I want to find someone
who is going to represent this country all over the
world like Leona Lewis has done. And when you hear
their record on the radio, you want to say ‘This show
helped to launch your career’. That’s the best feeling
and that’s what I want to do again.

Are you pleased all the same Judges are back? What
can we expect from you all this year?

I’m really pleased we are all back on the panel this year,
we have a great dynamic and all get on well – however
eachof us is very competitive andwhen it comes to the
show we want to win – simple as that.

What’s your role on the judging panel?

To be the voice of reason.

Which category would you like to mentor this year
and why?

The category that’s going to win.

How do you know when you’ve found the ‘one’?

I think most of the time you just know – when you have
a really special artist walk on stage it’s immediate. I’m
very instinctive and you can feel it, even the audience
reaction, the atmosphere just changes – someone
brilliant just walks on stage and you know they’ve‘got
it’

How would you sum up this year’s show?

It’s bigger, better, faster and tougher. I think every
year we strive to find talent that’s better and better.I
definitely believe there’s still a lot of talent in this
country and that’s why we do the show. Winning this
show can change someone’s life forever – simple as
that. One minute you’re singing in your bedroom,
suddenly you can be a star all over the world. That’s
what can happen and that’s what this show is about.

Are you pleased with Alexandra’s progress for her
new album?

Alexandra is doing fantastically, she’s developing as an
artist and the music is totally personal to her.Musically
the albumreflects her personality, she’s been working
with some of the world’s top producers is determined
and enjoying every moment of it. Last year duringthe
duet with Beyonce, she really showed she had the
confidence to hold the stage alongside a global star
and she really does – sheis a great singer.

Do we have more surprises to come with the live
shows?

There will be a few twists and turns I’m sure, yes.

Taken from the X Factor press release released 18th August 2009, available here.

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