X-Factor Debuts Exclusive 8-Minute Preview [Video]

Are you ready to ditch American Idol for something new? Simon Cowell is banking on that fact with his new series The X Factor which once again places singing contestants up against one another.

Unlike American Idol the show is open to singers and bands and it appears that all auditions are handled right on the big stage in front of sold-out crowds, quite the nerve racking experience and something America’s Got Talent contestants are familiar with.

Funny fact about the show, while American Idol judges are always seen with “Coke” cups for their refreshments, Simon and his team for X Factor are now sipping out of Pepsi cups, which Paula Abdul probably has filled with something more “potent.”

The X Factor also has no age limit like Idol and the top prize is the highest in TV history at $5 million.

The show debuts on Fox on September 21, in the meantime here’s the eight-minute preview:

Fox TV bought the rights to the show for $60 million and early reports say the deal could net Simon Cowell upwards of $500 million on the backend, which explains why he turned down a reported $30+ million per season to stay with American Idol.

Are you ready to tune into another Simon Cowell helmed project?