The X Factor vs. American Idol

There has been much talk about The X Factor the last few days.  Many people say The X Factor is just like American Idol.  Although it has some obvious similarities, it is not just like American Idol.  I would like to break down some of the differences between the two shows for anyone that might be curious.

• The X Factor is missing two likeable personalities from American Idol: Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest.  I never imagined I would miss the two of them, but I actually do.
• Simon Cowell actually seems a bit nicer on The X Factor.  I am not sure if he is trying to turn over a new leaf, or he is just enjoying being on a different show.
• The auditions for The X Factor are in front of a huge live audience.  This gives you an opportunity to see if someone will freeze on stage as opposed to just performing in front of a small group of judges like American Idol.
• The X Factor performers are allowed music in the background for their performance.  In my opinion, this helps many of them. 
• All the judges are drinking Pepsi for The X Factor.  For American Idol, everyone always drank Coke.  Interesting all of the judges would drink the same soda, huh?  Oh, that is right.  TV is just all about the endorsements anyway.
• The prize for The X Factor is enormous: 5 million dollars.  It makes that once exciting 1 million dollar prize on American Idol seem small. 
• Anyone 12 years old or older can audition for The X Factor.  There is no such thing as being too old to audition for the show, which is really nice.  American Idol now accepts those from the ages of 15 to 28.  Let's face it - some people who are way older than 28 have talent, so now they can audition for The X Factor.

Too Much Towing?

Source: TruTV.com - Operation Repo

I know what you probably lie awake asking yourself at night: How many reality TV shows can actually be about tow trucks and tow truck adventures?  Apparently, you can have at least 4 reality shows that completely revolve around the concept of repossessing or towing vehicles.  Amazing, isn't it?  How?  Why?  Can it really be that interesting?  Furthermore, one channel, TruTV, is the source for all these shows.  Is there really that much of an audience for this?  Obviously they must be getting ratings or these shows could not exist.

The 4 reality TV shows on the air about towing companies are now:

• Operation Repo
• Lizard Lick Towing
• South Beach Tow
• Bear Swamp Recovery

Each show claims to be totally unique.  For instance, it appears each person starring in Bear Swamp Recovery is overweight.  Stop laughing... really, this is how the commercial makes it seem.  I am not sure how America can possibly be ready for 4 tow truck shows, but TruTV thinks we are.  So if you are really into seeing people have their cars repossessed, this is a great time for television programming for you. 



Guilty Pleasures: VH1 Reality Shows

Much to my delight, I have just learned Celebrity Rehab is returning to VH1 tonight.  Now, I know, it is not the happiest show on the planet.  I am sure I could watch something else, but it is one of my guilty pleasures; I cannot stop watching this show.  It is just fascinating.  I like watching the first episode of each season to see which celebrities are going into rehab this time.  Then I follow the show as if I know the people in it.  Obviously, I do not hang out with celebrities.  I have no reason to care if they get better, except that they are people and I hope nothing but the best for them.  No doubt, I will be watching each week and crying along with them. 

If crying along with celebrities in rehab is not your thing, the season finale of Mob Wives is also on tonight.  I will admit, I do like this show.  I would not watch it at first, but it does grow on you.  I have a feeling a major catfight is going to break out tonight, so if catfights are your guilty pleasure, you might want to catch it.  Apparently, a big secret is coming out tonight. 

Reality TV and How to be a Star

I have to admit it, as much as I will make fun of reality TV, I sit there and watch it just like anyone else.  I watch reality shows all the time.  Usually the worst shows are the most entertaining to watch.

Since I watch these shows all the time, I thought it would be fun to create a "How to" guide on Hubpages about becoming a reality show star.  Now, obviously I am not a reality show star or I would not have time to constantly write blog posts and write articles.  I just thought it would be funny.

Enjoy! How to Become a Reality Show Star in 10 Easy Steps

Photo source: www.mtv.com