Time for more eliminations on "The X Factor" even with no contestants to speak of. Simon Cowell clearly believes that his show can do better and he wants more viewers. Despite what was seen as a successful first season by network standards, the British producer of "The X Factor" is shaking things up much more than anyone expected. It seemed a foregone conclusion that host Steve Jones would be replaced, and many speculated that judge Nicole Scherzinger might also be canned as a judge. Not only were both predictions realized, but perpetual sidekick Paula Abdul was also fired from the show this week. Seems that the second season of "The X Factor" will look nothing like its original, and the show's outspoken producer and mentor wants it that way.
Despite his grandiose expectations, "The X Factor" simply fell in line with the ratings of "The Voice" and "American Idol." And with no competition from either during its time on the air, the media mogul was not able to prove the point that he is the center of the singing competition world. When things do not go as planned, it is time to re-evaluate. The result of that re-evaluation is the removal of almost the entire show's cast.
The news came all at once on Monday night -- anyone who got in the way of Simon or his girls was out. Like Brian Dunkelman before him, host Steve Jones only lasted for one season. Then, once co-host turned mentor Nicole was released. And while Fox has yet to confirm the firing, it seems that the sharp-tongued mentor and judge has decided to continue on without the help of friend Paula, who has also been let go from the show.
There is little shock at the news of Jones' firing. The Welsh host never quite found a rhythm as the show's host. He struggled to keep the show on time without rudely interrupting the judges. He was unable to manage the task of comforting an eliminated contestant whilst trying to give them a last moment to speak. He even offended contestants, sparking controversy when he told group Lakoda Rayne that the "dream was over." Overall, this firing was well-deserved and fully expected.
The removal of Nicole Scherzinger is also no surprise. The fake, forced rivalry between Scherzinger and Cowell did not help the flow of the show, and her performance critiques were less than useful throughout the season. Many criticized her choice of finalists for the "Over 30" category, and her song selections made it even more challenging for those finalists to compete.
Paula Abdul was rendered useless early in the season, with the groups being swiftly eliminated. Firing the choreographer who has been by Simon's side for the majority of his on-air career seems more about grabbing headlines and attention than any criticism of her performance. There are many who blame Abdul for the elimination of Cowell's contestant Rachel Cook, but with the season over, it is doubtful that has anything to do with her fate.
Think of "The X Factor" as an automobile. After its first year, it goes into the shop for some minor adjustments and repairs. Unless your mechanic is Simon Cowell, in which case you will return to the shop to find the car filled with brand new parts. The bold mechanic will ensure that the car will run faster and better than ever with the new engine assembly. Right now, the old parts are out and the king of mean must now decide which new ones go into his engine. The hood is up and everyone gets a peak as he tinkers away at the vehicle known as "The X Factor."
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