X Factor USA: Simon Cowell does the hard-sell and promises $5m prize

By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 1:20 AM on 25th February 2011

Simon Cowell went on the charm offensive today in a new video to promote and explain X Factor to the American audience.

The mogul talked up the US version of the show, which is already a hit in Britain, ahead of the first round of auditions in March.

Appearing in the three-and-a-half minute clip, the 51-year-old, who left America Idol to focus on his own show, made it clear he is determined for it to be a success.

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Serious business: Simon Cowell released a new promotional  video today to explain X Factor to the US audience ahead of the first auditions in March

‘I can assure you one thing – you’ve never seen a show like this in America,’ he said in the clip. ‘A lot is going to surprise you.’

Dressed in his signature black suit and open white shirt combination, he gave the hard sell on his beloved talent show, describing to the US audience what to expect.

As the clip began, Simon explained how the competition works.

‘It’s basically a singing competition with a twist, the auditions are open to everybody who can sing… you can be 12, you can be 112!’ he said.

Frenzy: The clip uses footage taken during auditions for the British version of the show

‘As a platform, as a performer this is going to be a great opportunity for you.’

The clip flashed to performances and auditions of last year’s UK version of the show, featuring winner Matt Cardle, and crowd favourite, Cher Lloyd.

In each series, a judge is allocated a category to mentor and chooses a
small number of acts to
progress to the live finals.

The video featured Simon alongside his assigned boy band, One Direction.

It also contained out-takes of controversial past performers, including the two cousins who punched each other during an audition.

Simon also revealed in which cities of the 50 US states, where auditions will take place.

‘If you want to audition we are going to be in the following cities: Miami, New York, Seattle, LA, Dallas, Chicago,’ he said.

Hands on: Simon, with British act One Direction, explained how judges mentor categories

And unlike the UK version where
auditions occur in front of three judges, he explained that in the US version competitors will be forced to perform in front
of a mammoth crowd.

‘On
this show the contestants have to do auditions in front of 3,000 – 4,000
people. If you can come out and nail in in front of 3-4 thousand
people, you have the makings of a star,’ he said.

‘I
have always trusted the audience on the live show, so I think it is
right that you’ve got to trust them on the audition process.’

Memorable moments: The clip also contains flashback from controversial guests, including two cousins that punched each other in an audition

He also warned viewers that judges will no be picking anybody generic.

‘You’ve
got to stand out. you’ve got to be remembered. Dress differently,
behave differently, dance differently… just be remembered,’ he said.

And he explained that he is hell-bent on finding the next biggest star in America.

‘I
would love to find someone who could be the star all over the world,
and I would love to say we found this person on this show.’

Coming soon: The show is due to kick off this fall in the US

Putting his money where his mouth is, Simon also reminded viewers about the mammoth prize money, which is at a staggering $5 million.

He reminded contenders that it was no paltry sum, and to earn it the contestants must be the best.

‘If I am going to come back to America and say, ‘I’m serious about this and I am serious about finding talent, then I am going to guarantee the winner of the competition, five million… cash… its a $5m audition and you only get the 5 million if you win and you better be good.’

The US version of the X Factor is due to start in September.