X-Factor.y

Last night I turned on the tv and X-factor was on. Just like that. Didn't look for it, didn't set it up for a recording. It was just there. So I started watching it. I watched for about 9 minutes.

It looked just like American Idol. Just like it. There was a guy who looked a lot like Randy Jackson, but was NOT Randy Jackson. There was a woman who looked a lot like Paula Abdul who actually was Paula Abdul. And there was a guy - albeit somewhat older - who looked a lot like Simon Cowell who actually was Simon Cowell.

And there was some other woman with an Irish accent. I have no idea who she is or who she would be in an AI scenario.

Oh, and it's Pepsi instead of Coke.

Anyway, there's no host, but they did spend a few montage minutes on how Simon and the guy who's supposed to be Randy - just can't find common ground. One says yes, the other says no. One says black, the other says white. You get it.

Tension. Conflict.

Ok, so some woman comes on and sings a Pussycat Doll song. I don't think she's good. Neither does the Randy Jackson guy. Simon likes her so she will go to the next round.

The music starts as they introduce Stacy Francis - a 42 year old single mom with a 3 year old and a 5 month old. Something like that. The music tells us we need to care about her and feel bad for her. Apparently she has a dream, she's struggling to make ends meet, blah blah blah.

She's almost in tears as she stands there introducing herself to the judges. Her friend watching the kids backstage IS crying.

"What song are you going to sing, Stacy?"

"Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ok. Best of luck, sweetheart."

Stacy then proceeds to rip the roof off the place. Rips it right off. I mean, the heavens open up and the Lord is looking down with his mouth hanging open. Whatever the X factor is, Stacy has it. You don't have to be a Hollywood record producer to know you can add another garage to your mansion. The ENTIRE audience is beside themselves. This is a Susan Boyle moment. Maybe not as grotesque, but it's gold. She gets a standing ovation and her cheeks are black with mascara.

All the judges say yes. No suspense here. Duh.

The music sweeps in AGAIN cuing us that we should feel triumphant and blessed. But as Stacy is walking back to wherever they store the contestants, she's pushing a stroller. I'm pretty sure it's an Orbits stroller. This is a $1000 stroller with some bells and not all whistles. I'm not sure how much Stacy is struggling. Nonetheless, she's got the pipes.

Anyway, as far as AI and XF - it's a Seattle's Best compared to a Starbucks. It tastes the same.

And it will also turn out an Xfactory of CDs, DVDs, downloads, and tours.