It sounds like the lyrics of a familiar tune. Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell trading quips as musical performers - some talented, some not - parade across the stage.

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul judging thousands of aspiring singers, some of whom will make your ears bleed? Sounds like American Idol redux. At first glance, there isn't a ton separating Cowell's new music competition show, The X Factor, from its predecessors ? until you stack up the details. Then Cowell's master plan for music show domination becomes all too clear. My God, It's huge! And 9 ...

The former American Idol judge said that the show democratizes the Idol format by allowing competitors of all ages. The former American Idol judge said that the show democratizes the Idol format by allowing competitors of all ages.

On American Idol, a contestant performed Pants on the Ground. On The US version of the X Factor, a singer dropped his pants to the ground and sent Paula Abdul running for cover.

On American Idol, a contestant performed Pants on the Ground. On The X Factor, a singer dropped his pants to the ground and sent Paula Abdul running for cover.