Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, et al. Might Join X FACTOR

According to Billboard.com, Mariah Carey, George Michael, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul are all possibilities for the judging spots on Simon Cowell's THE X FACTOR. Previously rumored Katy Perry and Elton John are no longer in the running. 

"THE X FACTOR has become a worldwide phenomenon and is unlike anything we've seen in America," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "The British version is wildly entertaining, but also has a penchant for stirring up controversy. You never know what Simon has up his sleeve, and since he will be working both behind and in front of the camera, the country should brace itself to expect the unexpected."

"Since its U.K. debut in 2004, THE X FACTOR has proven itself a global success story in numerous territories worldwide," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America. "Now, as we bring this widely popular format to U.S. audiences, I look forward to building a new franchise for a new decade with the return of the inimitable Simon Cowell."

THE X FACTOR judges will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over - both solo artists and vocal groups - who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for the judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands - raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

In the coming weeks, THE X FACTOR host and judges panel will be unveiled and announcements will be made about audition opportunities that will give everyone 12 or over in America - no matter where they live - the chance to show that they've got it. There also will be reveals of unprecedented initiatives that will make THE X FACTOR unlike anything else on television.

Solo singers and vocal groups who believe they have what it takes to compete on THE X FACTOR should sign up now for audition information at www.fox.com/theXfactor. Additional details, including eligibility requirements, are also available on the site. Hopefuls should check back regularly for updated information and complete audition rules and registration forms.

As previously announced, Pepsi will serve as an official sponsor of THE X FACTOR. The comprehensive sponsorship includes an extensive, multi-platform off-air marketing partnership; weekly in-show integrations and placements; and an immersive content experience online.

THE X FACTOR is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.

Since its debut in 2004, "The X Factor" has remained the U.K.'s #1 program for the last seven years, peaking with an audience of 21 million with 65% audience share for its 2010 finale. The format swiftly broke similar records around the world, where local versions have consistently rated #1 in 15 territories, with a worldwide audience now well over 100 million. In Denmark, it has ranked #1 for the last four years, peaking with an 80% share of the audience. In Colombia, it has consistently ranked #1 with a 75% share of the audience. Additionally, "The X Factor" consistently delivers a 50% to 65% share of the viewing audiences in Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, France and Italy - with the highest percentage of these shares in A15-34. In some markets, "The X Factor" has increased the channel average demographic by up to 250%. The series has received numerous honors worldwide, including three BAFTA awards, numerous NTA awards and the coveted Rose d'Or. In the U.K., an unprecedented 1.5 million iTunes downloads were made from "The X Factor" contestant performances in 2010. Globally, more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including over 90 #1 singles and albums and 150 Top Ten records.

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