X-Factor is the new Simon Cowell owned-show he’s imported from the UK to compete with American Idol, the top-rated franchise he left last year. Although both shows have similar formats, X-Factor allows groups, a wider age range for contestants and holds auditions in front of an audience instead of just the judges’ panel among other major differences.
Both shows are some of my guilty TV pleasures and the audition by Chris Rene, doing that soul/pop/freestyle rap-style exemplified by Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson is especially cool.