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Original Message
"X-Factor USA Series Premiere ECST"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 05:51 PM
Since Simon and Pauler are back on TV together, we will bring them back to the RTVW Forums to where they started out together.

Auditions start tonight. Analysis of the {insert sponsor here} cups to begin once the fumes clear from the West Coast Living Rooms.

As a preview of what might be in Pauler's cup I say just check out what she wore to the Emmys. The dress itself wasn't so bad, but the shaped strapless neckline with the one boob near the center of the chest and the other diving under the armpit didn't a sober fashion statement make. Did no one dare tell her that her dress was 1/4 turn around, or did she think that was the way it was supposed to be worn.

It's going to be a bumpy fall.

Table of contents
Messages in this discussion
"RE: X-Factor USA Series Premiere ECST"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 07:05 PM
Well, since Paula is normally ninety degrees off from reality...

One minor spoiler: like The Voice, this show has no problems with taking rejects from other singing competitions. Expect the possibility of a familiar face or two before the auditions end -- which may include people you never wanted to see again.

"Title sequence."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:04 PM
The next thing I would expect to see after that is a bald man in a wheelchair.
"Judge introduction."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:07 PM
It's as if they're trying to sell the idea that in order to do this show, all four had to hand over every penny they'd ever earned. And if we don't watch, they'll never have a cup of dubious liquids again.

That's making it really hard to leave the TV on.

"Auditions in front of full stadiums."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:08 PM
So, you know, no pressure.

Cheryl Cole, the soon-to-depart, has spoken for the first time. I understood her. Mostly. Years of Paula training are paying off.

"Intro"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:10 PM
Big Trucks.
Simon Cowell
Pussy Cat Doll
LA Reid
Paula Abdul

Introducing Cheryl Cole, she made the credits.

Lots of drama and tears in the rejects. Simon having a meltdown surrounded by production people.

Theme song sounds a bit like the Idol one turned inside out.

British guy in a truck mentions the 5 million dollar prize, and it starts in Los Angeles.

Already saying more people showed up ever (well gotta be more than Idol, right?)

12 and up, soloists and groups. People want to be big big stars.

4 people in their way, the judges.

Simon, record executive. Most successful talent scout.
LA Reid has Grammys And they say whose his talent is.
They both had to walk away from big things for this.
Cheryl Cole, artist, thick accent
Paula Abdul, no stranger to judging talent.

Later on in 4 categories, each mentors 1 category to take to the live vote just before Christmas, but working together now.

Auditions are live in arenas.

"RE: Intro"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:17 PM
Already saying more people showed up ever (well gotta be more than Idol, right?)

I don't think so -- they can say it's the record for this show and it would be hard to argue, but beating the new rival? I've heard some of the attendance numbers there, and this one sounded low.

We don't get to vote until December? How long are these bloody auditions? And how are they going to manage the Gah-Roup round when we already have gah-roups?

"RE: Intro"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:31 AM
We don't get to vote until December? How long are these bloody auditions?

It looks like one hour of air time per city.

Looking at TV Guide, there are 4 nights (two weeks of auditions) followed by "Boot Camp" part 1 and part 2 in early October. We'll see what comes after that. I have a notion that voting will begin sooner than that... the question is whether we vote during the mentored "battle rounds".

"Oh, and..."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 10:55 PM
'Paula'
'judge'
'talent'

Three words that should never go together.

"Pepsi Cups"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:11 PM
We have sponsor cups!!!!
"HOORAY!"
Posted by moonbaby on 09-21-11 at 08:18 PM
*sip*

"RE: HOORAY!"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:28 PM
Um, you don't want the GC-Mass Spec analysis before you start sipping?
"First audition: Rachel Crow."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:15 PM
Kid. Six people in a two-bedroom house. Which these days maker her upper middle class. Brings down the house with a rendition of Mercy which feels a little awkward with the lyrics coming out of her mouth, but she does have talent. Refinement required, raw potential there. As if they were going to open with a loser... through to the next round.

BTW, the cups are Pepsi -- with the evil eye logo. Pepsi Blue is very visible in the color palette of the show.

"Cute as can be!"
Posted by moonbaby on 09-21-11 at 08:17 PM
And she can sing, too. Going through!
"RE: First audition: Rachel Crow."
Posted by Tummy on 09-21-11 at 08:33 PM
Already love her.
"RE: First audition: Rachel Crow."
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:34 AM
Yup, they picked a good audition to start the show off with.
"Rachel Crow"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:16 PM
Young girl, whose family has no money, 6 people in a 2 bedroom house. I need my own bathroom, so that is why she needs 5 million bucks.

Mercy by Duffy. For some reason I think the preview with her audition was more autotuned then this, but maybe I'm remembering it wrong. Got a lot of personality in her performance. Crowd loves it.

I almost understood Cheryl.

Simon says we were right to take this age down. 4 yeses

"Autotune."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:19 PM
For the record: the UK edition had a scandal with it being used during the show. Simon has sworn it won't happen here. And it if does, he disavows all knowledge of the events in advance.
"RE: X-Factor USA Series Premiere ECST"
Posted by frodis on 09-21-11 at 08:25 PM
Okay.

I've watched about 4 minutes of this so far and I already can't stand the constant fan screaming. It is irritating and it sounds fake.

"More auditions"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:26 PM
Terell Carter 36, Actor and Singer.

R&B guy. Cheryl's talking about his package.

Ellona Santiago, 14. 4 yeses.

Montage of a bunch of people.

John Lindahl, 14. Singing Forget You.
4 Yeses.

Great Start.

Uh Oh, 30 years old Siameze who seems convinced he will be a megastar with his own energy drink. This can't bode well.

Hotel Performer. Is he painted blue or is that a really tight sheer thing. Flails around a lot, I'm not sure I will call that dancing.

Cheryl is this genius or weird, don't know. Simon says it was copy cat, something fascinating about you. Paula, commit to taking a stage with that energy, but not original enough.

LA-no, Cheryl-Yes, Paula-Yes, Simon-talented but deluded but I'm going to say yes.

"RE: More auditions"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:29 PM
Siameze: hot mess.
Terrel: hot damn.

"RE: More auditions"
Posted by Tummy on 09-21-11 at 08:38 PM
John Lindel was a little cutie.

Wonders is Siameze's energy has a youth formula to it. He was kind of channeling Purple Reign Prince...without the talent.

"RE: More auditions"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:37 AM
Siameze: “I have the look. I have the attitude. I need a mike stand.” And he’s got a name, that’s for sure. He’s thinking girls are easy to get and he wants to market an energy drink called Simenergy. Si-men-ergy. (Think twice about this one.)

As Siameze exits, he takes the mike stand with him. It wouldn’t be altogether too surprising if he sleeps with it.

"They charge auditioners for food,"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:36 PM
Well, now we know where the five million comes from.
"3:15 am Day Two"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:38 PM
People lining up.

Pahrump Nevada. Dan 70 years young and his wife 83.

Judges arrive. Dan and Venita expected that lunch would be served, not food you have to buy.

Been married for 2 years. They are going to get a travel home and sing at senior centers with their 5 million.

Well this used to be Simon's favorite song. Closed caption says "both off-key" when she joined in.

Where is the hook, gong, massive stage failure, crashing plane, something end this.

Simon says they are going to be remembered, it was terrifying a vision of Simon and Paula in 10 years. Simon say adorable and didn't give up, best of luck.

"RE: 3:15 am Day Two"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:42 PM
When he started as a solo, I thought he'd at least get a couple of 'no, but don't lose that spirit' comments from the judges. He at least had a little something behind his vocals. And then she started in, and matter met antimatter to the expected results.

"RE: 3:15 am Day Two"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:40 AM
Closed caption says "both off-key" when she joined in.

I took your cue from an earlier post you responded to about using CC while ECST'ing/blogging the show.

Rather endearing this old couple, although they can't sing worth a darn. I'm pretty sure they've got autotuning already built in for each other, though.

"RE: 3:15 am Day Two"
Posted by Snidget on 09-22-11 at 07:51 PM
The Closed Caption helps quite a bit for some things. So far the CC for this show seems to be good about spelling the names right. Sometimes you can tell whoever did the typing didn't do anything to match it up with the spelling used in the regular captions on the show.
"More bad auditions"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:40 PM
Duo. One was singing and one screaming randomly. It's a no.

Linda aka Jetta. Divinyls I touch Myself. I can't believe they got that cleared.

Miranda. Wants to be the next Madonna, and she sings almost as badly and Katy Perry has on some results shows.

Baby give it up playing in the background as we go to break.

"She touches herself."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:45 PM
And they made us watch.
"RE: X-Factor USA Series Premiere ECST"
Posted by Tummy on 09-21-11 at 08:41 PM
I heard there was going to be snacks and drinks.

*looks around

"RE: X-Factor USA Series Premiere ECST"
Posted by frodis on 09-21-11 at 08:45 PM
I'd break out my cake haiku sig for you but this is the ECST.
"There are..."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:47 PM
...but we're charging for them.

Since no one ever lent me the ten bucks.

"RE: There are..."
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:41 AM
Enough for two hot dogs, with nothing left over for the spiked Pepsi.
"Background music."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:48 PM
In the meantime, I was curious about that 'I am the one and only' song they kept playing for Siameze. I looked it up. I found the Chesney Hawkes video on YouTube. And now I'm buying the single.

Who says Simon can't sell music?

"Auditions continue"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 08:48 PM
And Pepsi is raising the stakes. Will get their won Pepsi commercial during the Super Bowl.

Simone Battle. She wants to write on babies. Practices her fierce in the bathroom mirror. 21 years old. Voice is a combo cheerleader, drag queen and hipster. Singing When I Grow Up By the PussyCat Dolls. Simon stops her.

Simon. You interest me. You are fearless, ambitious, fun to watch, I really like you. Cheryl liked that as well. LA is going to completely disagree, Simon asks to just hear her voice. Sings Bulletproof. Much better than when she had music. Ask LA again. He wasn't moved, didn't get it. Simon says it is what we could do for someone like this. LA-No, Cheryl-Yes, Simon-Yes, Paula is the tiebreaker, you are fierce, she says yes.

Simon vs LA a new rivalry begins. Eye of the Tiger Music.

"RE: Auditions continue"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 08:53 PM
It's too early to really establish a pattern -- but for those going through without unanimous consent, Reid's been the lone dissenting vote.
"RE: Auditions continue"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:43 AM
And a refreshing change from Randy. I agreed with every assessment L.A. Reid made, including this one and the 'no' for that Siameze carp.
"Welcome back for more auditons"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:00 PM
All the things it will change in people's lives.

Stacey Francis 42 with two young kids. Met someone the kept her down (she was also in one of the extended previews). I don't wanna die with this music in me. Natural Woman Aretha Franklin. Now there is on LA Reid likes. Standing O from the judges and the audience. Paula says this is your time. Simon says I've done this a long time, one of the best auditions, you believed in it. Loved it loved it love you. 4,304 yeses.

"RE: Welcome back for more auditons"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:03 PM
Randy still holds the record with one million billion percent yes.

Normally, I'd think extended preview status means she makes the cut, but this show is going to need the mandatory tragic just-missed from somewhere.

Oh, did Paula have her first standing O for this series? Nice to know the new people got the cup mix right. I wasn't sure blue plastic interacted the same way.

"Was that meant to be ironic?"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:09 PM
They're talking about Seattle as the grunge rock capital while they play Jefferson Starship in the background?

Not only no, but hell no.

"RE: Was that meant to be ironic?"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:37 PM
Definitely had some cognitive dissonance going on with that combo for me.
"RE: Was that meant to be ironic?"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:46 AM
Yup. Interesting that CC captures these titles. Although I recognized this one easily enough, there were some others that I wondered what they were.

Should have been Nirvana here, but neither Simon or (I'm supposing) L.A. had anything to do with them.

"Viewers remain goldfish."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:11 PM
Because the producers assume the view of Miss She Touches Herself drove the judges' credentials from your brain. Or this was originally going to be a pair of one-hour episodes. Possibly both.
"We are now in Seattle"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:13 PM
Rock and Grunge Capital.

New City, Big Change. Nicole Pussy Cat Dolls Replaces Cheryl Cole.

Geo Godley, Rainbow Heart Shirt and Silver Track Suit, or pajamas or something. Something he wrote. I'm A Stud with a Thud and ha Hunk with a Funk.

I have no idea why he hasn't been writing and he's got a Red X over his junk. And the audience is asking for eye bleach to be put into the sprinkler system. Paula is leaving. She looks like she is going to be sick. Simon says what the hell was that. He tries to ask to sing one of his ballads. LA says it was offensive, disgusting, upsetting, get him out of the building. Nicole is a little traumatized. Paula in the bathroom for quite some time. He says he was in key and he doesn't know why the audience turned against him.

Paula comes back, tells Simon she was sick to her stomach.

"Welcome to the biz, Nicole!"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:17 PM
Meanwhile, we have Paula's reaction. 'Oh god, now the hallucinations are nude...'

The perpetrator claims his waistband slipped. The show is just glad for some footage they can abuse their audience with. And one thing is becoming clearer by the performer: the editors don't know how to work an audition episode. We justifiably claim a lot of frustration with the AI process, but their annoyance has become streamlined. This clunker is still trying to get off the ground.

"RE: Welcome to the biz, Nicole!"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:19 PM
Man if that won't get you into sober living...
"Marcus "
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:15 PM
Mom says have 2 years and then you have to go to get a degree.

10 minutes later, on the ground looks out of it...and commercial

"After the Break"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:25 PM
Now time for Marcus Canty, 20, to face the judges.

He watches children at the church. I Wish by Stevie Wonder.
Nicole and Paula dancing. Finishes the audition then sinks down crying from all the applause. Gets up with a Whoo so all a ruse of the editing to make us think something bad happened to him. LA says something like Bobby Brown thing. Nicole you are what we have been waiting for. Mom must be so proud. Paula, relevant fresh illuminate the room. Simon. One of those songs you do not sing this song, but I really really liked you. Remind me of Usher.
4 yeses

"RE: After the Break"
Posted by kidflash212 on 09-21-11 at 09:28 PM
Seemed like a bad Stevie Wonder imitation to me. No big deal.
"RE: After the Break"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:29 PM
Given that our last reality TV youth minister was just happily chatting about the supposed size of his genitalia, I'm reluctant to hope for better luck here.
"Massive Sponsor Overload"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:30 PM
Pepsi and Verizon.
"Day Two Seattle"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:35 PM
Nicole's Birthday. No ego at all during the audience singing. Simon got her a cake with Simon's face on it.

Boy Band The Anser from Salt Lake City. Happy Birthday to Nicole with harmony. Rolling in the Deep, with a twist at the end.
LA Reid, you have the swagger, yes from him. Nicole, three words Fab-U-Lous. Pauler's a yes, 4 yeses.

"Svckage ensues."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:43 PM
First I wondered why the editors were giving us a shot of a hand manipulating the sound board.

And then I realized it was the only expert sound manipulation we were going to get.

"World's least credible threat."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:48 PM
"I'm going to go post something on YouTube right now!"

So you think Simon's commentary was too harsh and you're going to respond by opening yourself to YouTube user criticism.

...

...good luck with that.

"RE: World's least credible threat."
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:48 AM
All kinds of stuff suddenly appeared on YouTube last night. My DS found several of them, including more by the rehab guy (below).
"Nici Collins"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:46 PM
23 from Maryland, she is an event planner...

Something just broke in my ears...She stops the audition, she says the mic isn't working and she is going to do another song.

Nicole says she has range. Paula says she did this on a dare. Simon says she has a horrible voice and she says no after every no. She is shocked and outraged.

And now Mom and Daughter Stevie Wonder Medley.

Darren Michaels from Las Vegas, girlfriend has invested 100,000 in him. Simon says he is living in a nightmare than imitates Darren's strange laugh.

The Sonnets, What the Hell is going on like a Gregorian chant.

Nici is not going to give it up. She sings on a regular basis, well so did my Chihuahua growing up.

"RE: Nici Collins"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 09:51 PM
I bet if your chihuahua auditioned, we could get it some network time.
"Chris Rene"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 09:58 PM
28 years old. He is a trash hauler. He just got out of rehab. Clean 70 days. Singing an original song called Young Homie. It seems to have tripped some sort of switch in LA Reid, had a strange robotic sway to it, but it seems that is a sign he likes it.

Nicole says I'm trippin' on you. Serious. You got the X factor. Paula, you are a bright light. LA Reid dropping names and saying he is the truth. Simon my favorite feeling is when I sit in this chair and meet a star for the first time. You need the show or maybe we need you. LA Reid says yes and you gotta stay straight, and you gotta let me hear your voice so I know you are OK. Simon, if we put you through we are staying on the right track. Then you have my yes.

"And close on the sob story."
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 10:02 PM
Formula followed down to the last ingredient.

If they want to distinguish themselves, they've failed.

"Tomorrow Night"
Posted by Snidget on 09-21-11 at 10:00 PM
Operatic Battle Music.

Violation and slit wrists and threats to punch Simon.

"Now we know"
Posted by moonbaby on 09-21-11 at 10:05 PM
what American Idol would be without Seacrest.

What a relief.

"RE: Now we know"
Posted by Estee on 09-21-11 at 10:10 PM
Yeah, the total lack of improvement surprised me too.
"Premiere recap"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 01:25 AM
found here. Altogether, an interesting night. Some parts of it could have been cut entirely (Geo), some of it was a little long on the back story, but as a whole, an entertaining show. More comments in the blog.

I'm keen on hearing your comments about this recap. It was a lot to cover in two hours.

"So what's the verdict?"
Posted by Max Headroom on 09-22-11 at 08:05 AM
It's on the TiVo. Should I watch or not?
"RE: So what's the verdict?"
Posted by Snidget on 09-22-11 at 08:46 AM
Well I may have questionable taste, but I think there is enough entertainment value to watch it. You might keep the remote handy, the bad singers are somehow even worse than I remember the AI people being (bigger prize--bigger delusions?), but over all enough entertainment to make it worth the occasional mute or fast forward.
"RE: So what's the verdict?"
Posted by agman on 09-22-11 at 09:10 AM
I started watching after survivor was over. I'm going to reserve judgement for now. I can see it has potential, but I'm not sure it's all its been cracked up to be. I'll catch it again tonight and see how I feel. I hate to admit it but, it was good to see simon again. Paula? meh


a snidget original 2007

"Thumbs up"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 09:23 AM
It's more or less AI 2, with some subtle differences.

Auditions are before a live arena audience, so the crowd appeal (in-song clapping, cheering, jeering) may have some influence on the judging.

They took a page out of The Voice format with "battle rounds" coming up later in the season between four groups (boys, girls, over 30's and groups) to be mentored by each of the judges.

Simon & Paula are still Simon & Paula, Nicole is in the ever-changing judge seat, and L.A. Reid is Randy 2, but much better I think. I agreed with every assessment he made, even the ones he was overruled on (for example, he didn't like Siameze at all, and it's beyond me why Simon gave him a pass).

There will be voting again, later in the season. Just how that works, we'll find out later.

I like that it includes all ages (talented kids as well as some old folks like me) and also groups. This widens the potential talent base outside of the usual AI tween material.

Overall, thumbs up by this critic.

"RE: Thumbs up"
Posted by agman on 09-22-11 at 10:27 AM
The way they audition in front of live audience and have the buttons for judges to push reminds me a lot of America's got talent.


a snidget original 2007

"Regarding the clunkers"
Posted by moonbaby on 09-22-11 at 09:32 AM
I am really disappointed that they allowed so much airtime for them. I expected better from this show. I don't know why

Especially swinging junk guy and incredibly bad vocals girl-why give them another second of time?

"RE: Regarding the clunkers"
Posted by cahaya on 09-22-11 at 10:45 AM
That X'ed out Geo guy was especially disgusting and a total waste of air time. It's like Paula's visit to the Ladies room was a reminder for us to take our own break.
"RE: Regarding the clunkers"
Posted by Estee on 09-22-11 at 10:52 AM
The theory making the rounds is that he's an actor hired by the producers for a publicity stunt: nudity=ratings, even when it's blurred and not necessarily of a type you'd want to witness anyway. This is based mostly around his getting past the initial screenings (even for a designated stinker) and the non-appearance of security when everything went literally south.
"RE: Regarding the clunkers"
Posted by kidflash212 on 09-25-11 at 10:50 PM
It's only a theory? That was scripted, including Paula's overreaction.
"RE: Regarding the clunkers"
Posted by Estee on 09-26-11 at 12:22 PM
Well, until we find the actual script...
"RE: Regarding the clunkers"
Posted by cahaya on 09-26-11 at 12:33 PM
Remember Charlese and Melody from the second night?

Probably not. They got cut off after five seconds.

Actually, they didn't get cut off after five seconds. They sang a whole two minute audition. And some of Simon's comments during their interview that he hoped will never see daylight have been recorded.

I'll be interviewing them in the next few days.

There's a lot more going on with the X Factor editing than meets (rather, does not meet) the eye.

"RE: So what's the verdict?"
Posted by Tummy on 09-22-11 at 11:39 AM
I wish they'd kept Cheryl as a judge. Liked her much better than Nicole.