Today was a big day for X Factor news. Not only were some major details revealed about the new show’s prize money and audition dates, but Simon Cowell talked to reporters via conference call today. There isn’t anything new we haven’t already heard, but there are a couple of interesting tidbits.
CORRECTION: Simon really is putting his money where his mouth is. The 5M dollar prize will be paid over 5 years and DOES NOT INCLUDE RECORDING COSTS. “Cowell also wanted to make certain it was understood that the contract was a guaranteed $5 million paid to the winner over five years. ‘The recording costs, marketing costs [that go into the winner’s album] is all separate.'” WOW. “The mogul also promised that his team would offer the winner separate financial support so the contestant wouldn’t be forced into investing his or her own money into the debut project.”- Simon claims he has not made his mind up yet about who will sit on the X Factor panel other than himself. He did confirm he will be part of the panel. “I’m a massive fan of Paula, ” he said. “We’ve been in regular contact. I’m not going to say today who we are going to confirm or not, because the truth is we haven’t made up our minds up yet…. It comes down to who I think is interesting, and the commitment and the expertise each person offers.”
- Simon says he has yet to watch a full episode of American Idol with the new judges’ panel. “What I was more concerned about was the ratings falling off a cliff, meaning that that whole genre was over.” Using Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent, as examples, he said, “People, thank god, still like these shows, and that gives me more confidence when launch our one.”
Sources: Reality Blurred, Entertainment Weekly, LA Times
