Do you have the X-Factor?

Calling all reality television junkies! A new talent series has just arrived from across the pond.  On Sept. 21, the illustrious and brutally honest entertainment mogul Simon Cowell flew his wildly popular British show, "The X Factor," all the way to America. Much like Cowell's other music projects, including his eight-year career as an "American Idol" judge, "The X Factor" is none other than a search for the country's next superstar.

So what is the "X" factor? In general, it's the concept of an unknown but vital quality in something. In the business and entertainment world, it's a certain "something" which may promote one candidate over another in the eyes of the examiners or judges. In other words, it's the key to lasting stardom—and it's exactly what "The X Factor" is looking for.

But here's the real question that is on America's mind: How does "The X Factor" set itself apart from similar competitions like "Idol" and "America's Got Talent"? The two-hour-long show, for starters, is broken down into several stages, including auditions, "boot camp" and finals.  Moreover, "The X Factor" tries to distinguish itself with a somewhat elaborate set of rules. Contestants are grouped into four categories: men younger than 30, women younger than 30, group performers and those 30 or older. Each group is also mentored by Simon Cowell and the show's other three judges: music producer L.A. Reid, former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and a slightly less crazy Paula Abdul. Auditions are performed in front of live, rather involved audiences, and later, songs are staged as elaborate dance productions. "The X Factor" also sets itself apart by letting virtually all ages—from as young as twelve to as old as, well, anything—participate in the competition. Oh, and let's not forget the winner's prize of $5 million—the largest monetary reward in television history.

The brains behind "The X Factor," Simon Cowell, has worked with many artists, selling more than 200 million albums and delivering more than 180 No. 1 records. In 2009, Cowell's "Britain's Got Talent" propelled the international singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut album sold over 8 million units in just six weeks, making it the world's best-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album ever. Considering Cowell's judging career on "American Idol," America can't question the fact that this Brit knows his, er, stuff—but can he bring the same amount of success and excitement to "The X Factor"? Only time will tell.

"The X Factor" airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on Fox.