I got a tip from a reader who took an iCount USA survey for X Factor USA. Amongst the usual questions that solicited opinions on each of the judges and the show in general, there was a possible format change for next season, put up for a vote:
There may be a potential change to The X Factor next season. Instead of having Auditions like the ones that are currently featured, the program may start off with a Chair Challenge. So, contestants would audition for the judges, but instead of telling a contestant they made it to the next round, the judges would have to 5-10 chairs to fill, much like in the Four Chair Challenge. This would allow The X Factor to feature the best contestants earlier in the season and add an element of suspense to the show. Would you like to see something like this on The X Factor next year?
Who knows if FOX will even renew The X Factor for next year. The latest ratings had the show dipping below 2 and less than 5 million viewers watching.
But if FOX does renew the show, what do you think about extending the 4 chair challenge into the auditions?
The problem is Simon Cowell, who doesn’t understand the American audience. Making the show more cutthroat and nasty earlier on is not going to entice viewers to tune in. Singing show fans have already expressed a preference for the warm fuzzy vibe of The Voice. Simon is not paying attention if he thinks this tweak will help.
Here’s the iCount survey I reported on for American Idol. The questions centered on judges for the Season 12 panel.
