Simon Cowell Talks 'X Factor USA' Renewal, Format Changes, New Judging Panel
Credit: FOX
The third season of The X Factor USA comes to a close this week, but judge and franchise creator Simon Cowell is already looking ahead to season four. Although FOX has yet to officially renew the troubled singing competition, Cowell is confident about the show's renewal prospects. But his optimism is counterbalanced by the recognition that, should FOX grant The X Factor USA a fourth season, changes will need to be made.
In a conference call with reporters, Cowell admitted that he likely won't be keeping the same judging panel if the show moves forward, and it's a decision which could mean the end for Cowell himself in the judging chair.
"I think the show will be coming back next year. As to my role on it, I might have a different kind of role, we haven't discussed that yet."
Cowell would go on to discuss the glut of singing competitions, and how the series fits into the reality landscape.
"I think that we're gonna have a very crowded marketplace," Cowell explained. "What we have with X Factor is a huge core fan base that loves the show but we have got to be more than that. We're in the middle of a conversation about 'This is what we think the show should look like, what the fans would like,' so my role may change but I can't say any more than that."
However, despite the plummeting viewership numbers, Cowell is still happy with how season three turned out. "I think the show started off OK; I thought the four-chair challenge was terrific and the early live shows were OK and the last two weeks have been amazing," said Cowell, whose remaining act in the competition, Alex and Sierra, have stormed iTunes over the last several weeks, giving the series its first hit downloads.
"As a series, particularly because of the talent, because of what Alex & Sierra have achieved on iTunes over the last couple of weeks is phenomenal. I'm really happy that the show has achieved what it sets out to achieve which is to find a star."
But even with the success in discovering acts like Alex and Sierra, Cowell recognizes the need for a new approach: namely, a format change for the series.
Cowell stated that they're considering adopting the one-night per week format used by Dancing With the Stars, in which performance shows and results shows are combined. This has the benefit of lowering production costs and possibly roping in on-the-fence viewers by offering less of a time commitment. Cowell even has a night in mind already: "I won't say which night but I think it's a better night for us and if we get it, that would be amazing. The thing about these shows over the years is they started off as one-hour shows and now it's two hours or two and a half hours and then an hour show the next day. That's like watching a movie. It's getting to be probably too much. When the shows are popular, the networks want to make them longer and that's not necessarily a good thing."
Cowell also took the time to address The X Factor USA's biggest rival, NBC's The Voice, which beat The X Factor to air with a similar format but with higher profile judges and more of a focus on raw singing ability over full-package performance theatrics.
"Of course we're not happy about it, but we're all big boys and when you run a record label and a TV company, sometimes you win and sometimes you're in second or third place," he said. "The great thing about our team is it never gets us down and everybody works that much harder."
As for this week's finale, Cowell is confident in his sole remaining act. "When Alex & Sierra auditioned for the show, I thought they would win because of all the shows this year, in my opinion, they are by far the best artists to come through," he said. "I want the show to end with the best act winning the show." When asked if he would continue to work Alex and Sierra after the season ends, Cowell put doubters at ease: "I would be an idiot not to."
So what do you think? What should The X Factor USA do to shakeup its format? Are there any changes you think could help the format, and help the show appeal more to viewers? Or is the series a lost cause? Sound off in the comments!