The X Factor & The Voice : Are They Stiff Competition for Idol?

American Idol has come back strong this year with new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joining Randy Jackson as the show recovers from ratings phenom and "meanie" judge Simon Cowell's departure as he prepares to take his UK export/worldwide phenomenon talent show called The X Factor as it comes across the pond to the US later this year. With the new judges and talent being at it's best, I've definitely tuned in. But, will American viewers tune into it's new "competition" the X Factor and the somewhat rushed to TV The Voice?

It's true, people love to watch people do stuff and famous people judge it. That's why American Idol has been around for so long, but can The X Factor and The Voice bump Idol off its pedestal? Well, The X Factor, in my opinion, has potential, while The Voice looks like a rushed effort. 

The Voice is NBC's competition for FOX as it tries to change the talent formula by choosing someone for only their voice. It felt like yesterday when I heard that the show was on it's way to our small screens, and now there's commercials advertising it for April 26th. Country singer Blake Shelton, Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine, R&B Crooner Cee-Lo Green and the most popular of them all, Vocal Powerhouse Christina Aguilera, are all the judges/mentors trying to find The Voice. And even though it's concept sounds good, we'll keep a watch out for this show and see how it fairs. 

The X Factor formula is a formula that has worked in numerous countries, and creator Simon Cowell is bringing it here. Behind the career of Leona Lewis and previous season 2nd runner up / anticipated newcomer Cher Lloyd, The X Factor replaced Pop Idol in the UK (the origin of American Idol) and continued making normal people into superstars. For example, Leona Lewis went from a secretary to one of the biggest stars in the UK and a hit maker in the US. This show started the mentor and mentee relationship between the judges and the contestants, making the emotional factor increase, and viewers love emotional! Also, the contestants audition in front of arenas full of people (like the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ where auditions will be held soon), which I think is gold. I personally think this has the X Factor to overthrow American Idol; I love the UK version (I watched it online), and if they have the star power that is looking to be promised, I'll be tuning in for sure.