HOLLYWOOD—The phenomenon of singing competitions began with “Star Search” back in the 1990s, since then that phenomenon has evolved. We now have “American Idol,” “The Sing-Off” and “The Voice” to name a few, but a new force has taken the television arena by storm, “The X-Factor.” Simon Cowell wickedly named that trait as something special a performer embodies while on “American Idol.” While it’s not easy to describe the trait, talent scouts know it when they see it.

"The X-Factor"cast Nicole Scherzinger, Steve Jones, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid.

“The X-Factor” unlike its counterpart “American Idol” has a unique set-up; performers not only perform in front of a group of judges, but they perform in front of a huge audience. It’s extremely nerve-wrecking and gratifying for the contestants. The panel of judges includes an eclectic group of industry insiders like talent scout and record exec Simon Cowell, Antonio ‘ L.A.’ Reid, Paula Abdul and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Cowell speaks brutally honest to contestants; if the audition is horrid, you’ll hear it. Paula brings that calmness to singers; even with a terrible audition she informs them to keep their spirits high. The verdict is still out on Nicole, but if there’s anything audiences know it’s that she has a voice and can spot pipes when she hears them. L.A. Reid is the biggest music industry icon. He is single handedly responsible for shaping the careers of Usher, Justin Bieber, TLC, Pink, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Avril Lavinge to name a few. It was particularly exciting to see both Cowell and Reid go head to head about contestants who they disagreed on. One sees talent, the other not so much.

Just like “Idol” there are always those few hopefuls who think they’ve been blessed with a voice, but have no clue until the truth smacks them in the face. The fact that “X-Factor” opens the door for a bevy of singers and groups of all ages to the forefront allows talent to be found in amazing places. Take for example 42-year-old Stacy Francis; pure talent in every dimension. Her voice amazing, her stage presence unforgettable and her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” left the judges speechless. Audiences are still talking about 28-year-old Chris Rene, a recovering addict who was given a second chance in life. The guy is talented, not only can he sing, but he writes his own music as well. He’s the underdog that everyone is rooting for.

Sometimes talent can be found in the smallest sizes, like 13-year-old Rachel Crow, whose rendition of Duffy’s “Mercy” was absolute perfection. Another unique facet of the series is getting the opportunity to see reactions from the family of the contestants as they wait backstage. This reality series has so much to offer because the judges play a vital role in shaping the contestants by following them through the journey. They have a decision in the songs that are chosen, their wardrobe and the contestants will also receive coaching from industry insiders. Perhaps what I find most enlightening about the competition is the judge’s goal in discovering raw talent; talent that has never been seen before, singers overlooked by those that didn’t see that special trait which sometimes goes undetected.

It’s safe to say that “The X-Factor” will be a television hit this season. Things are off to a strong start and can only get better from this point forward. Cowell, Reid, Abdul and Scherzinger are bound to become even bigger superstars thanks to this forefront on the small screen. “The X-Factor” airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Who are you rooting for?