'X Factor': Better Than 'American Idol'?

"The X Factor" has concluded the audition shows, meaning the parade of talented and deluded performers will give way to the "boot camp" phase. Now that viewers have gotten a taste of the show, it's possible to compare it with "American Idol" and make some recommendations for what "The X Factor" should do for the rest of the season.

Vocals v. Performance Skills

While the "American Idol" contestants audition a capella in a closed room, "X Factor" wannabes perform on a stage in front of not only the judges but also an audience of hundreds. While some opt to perform a capella, many use a backing track or musical accompaniment. They gear their performance to the audience, who responds by either cheering or booing. This creates an altogether different dynamic. While the "Idol" judges focus on vocals alone, "X Factor" judges take performance skills into account. This means some acts have gone through who have the look and the moves but aren't as polished vocally, such as the Stereo Hogzz. Still, the audience loved them, and the judges agreed.

Nice v. Honest

Since Simon Cowell left, the "American Idol" judges have sounded like nearly other reality TV live competition show. In other words, far too nice. Season nine of "Idol" was marked by a number of lackluster performances that nonetheless won rave reviews from the judges. So far at least, the "X Factor" judges seem more ready and capable of delivering criticism. For example, Cowell was not the only one to respond with disapproval and disbelief at Devon Talley's tuneless rendition of a song from "Rent." They made sure to tell her she was not show material. Even the typically nice Paula Abdul told her, "You are not there yet. I don't know when you'll be there, but you're not there yet." Hopefully, Abdul won't forget to be critical once the live competition begins.

Young Soloists v. Broader Range of Talent

Although "American Idol" has expanded the age range of contestants, currently taking ages 15-29, it remains focused on solo artists. By contrast, "The X Factor" not only takes soloists but also takes groups, and the age range allowed is age 12 and up. This opens the door to the incredibly talented youngster Brian Bradley, who sang/rapped a brilliant original song called "Stop Looking at My Momz." It also clears the way for older acts, such as 59-year-old songwriter Leroy Bell, who performed "Lean on Me."

As the above comparisons show, "The X Factor" has the potential to bring a more diverse, exciting competition to television. But in order to produce a better show than "American Idol," the producers should keep in mind a couple recommendations.

Substance Over Sparkle

While performance capability does matter, it should not be allowed to supplant vocal ability. In the next stages of the competition, the judges are putting the competitors through boot camp and winnowing the group down to 32. No doubt, a variety of factors will come into play. But when it comes time for the live shows, the producers should restrain their instinct to dress up a performance with flashy staging or pyrotechnics. Setting a piano on fire doesn't make a performance any better. Honest.

Honesty Over Flattery

The season nine "American Idol" judges fawned over contestants' performances, giving them little useful feedback. Of course, with Cowell on the panel, along with record producer L.A. Reid, the "X Factor" judges are likely to point out performance and vocal weaknesses, which will not only help the contestants improve but will, let's face it, be far more entertaining.