Simon Cowell talks about X Factor and Idol

Simon Cowell has been promoting his upcoming show, The X Factor, and as you can imagine, he’s having to answer to all sorts of comparisons with his former show, American Idol.  Cowell recently said that the current judges on Idol are putting up with performances that never would have made the cut in previous seasons, and that he’s hoping The X Factor will bring back a certain strict standard to the talent show format.

Cowell went on to say that although Idol contestants tend to be formulaic, he wants people to know that contestants on the X Factor could be more distinctive, more out-there, and that artists of all kinds are encouraged to audition.  Bring on the crazies!