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'X Factor': Simon Cowell Pulling Out All Stops To Make His Show A Hit

Simon Cowell X Factor

First Posted: 10/05/11 04:55 PM ET Updated: 12/05/11 05:12 AM ET

Simon Cowell’s new show, "The X Factor," debuted to disappointing ratings, getting only half the number of viewers that tune in to watch "American Idol." But the show has been seeing a steady ratings increase and Cowell’s friends say he won’t stop until it is a huge hit.

"He'll figure out a way to make it work,”said Jerry Springer, who will host Cowell’s other show, "America’s Got Talent," live in Vegas. "There's so much pressure because he so much wants this to work, but in fairness to Simon, so far everything he's touched has turned to gold. So if you're asking me to bet against the success of his show, I won't do it."

Cowell walked away from "American Idol" and a massive paycheck to put his money where his mouth is and produce his own TV talent show, even hiring his old friend Paula Abdul to make sure "The X Factor" was a massive hit. But Springer, currently celebrating the 26th year of his hit talk show, is the first to warn him that producing a successful program is much harder than you think.

"In this business, everyone has things that don't work -- there is no formula for success," Springer told me. "Because if there was, everyone would be successful, so we never know. We throw stuff up on the wall and hope it sticks."

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Simon Cowell’s new show, "The X Factor," debuted to disappointing ratings, getting only half the number of viewers that tune in to watch "American Idol." But the show has been seeing a steady rating...
Simon Cowell’s new show, "The X Factor," debuted to disappointing ratings, getting only half the number of viewers that tune in to watch "American Idol." But the show has been seeing a steady rating...
 
 
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09:13 PM on 10/09/2011
I was liking the show, until bootcamp, when they made non-rappers rap and non-dancers dance. Why did they let some of these people through, if in the end, they only want a traditional pop star?
05:13 PM on 10/05/2011
That's what you get for leaving American Idol. Simon was speechless during his interview last night. Check out the video at http://celebur.com and let me know what you guys think.