by Nicole Pipp, staff writer

X Factor” or “American Idol?” That is the question.

Both popular competition shows are challenging each other for the spotlight.

“X Factor” was a very popular show in the UK and this is its first season in the U.S.  It airs on Wednesdays (8-9:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (8-9 p.m.) on FOX.  The two-part season finale is Dec. 21-22.

“American Idol” is in its 11th season this spring.  It premieres on Jan. 22, 2012, and is on Wednesdays (8-9:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (8-9 p.m.) nights on FOX.

When comparing and contrasting these two hit shows a lot needs to be taken into account.  There are many different elements to them that can either make it or break it.

Some of the key aspects are judges, the prize, and the entire format of the show.

JUDGES

“X Factor” definitely has a better panel with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and LA Reid, compared to “American Idol’s” Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and original judge Randy Jackson.

At first, I was skeptical about “X Factor’s” choice of Abdul, because near the end of her job on “American Idol,” it seemed like she was on a different planet.  But she seems to have recaptured her edge.

When “X Factor” began, my only knowledge of Reid was that he works with Justin Bieber, but he is always spot on with his critiques.  He holds his own in both critique and banter with Cowell, who is the ultimate judge.

Cowell is in a whole different category than the other judges on TV.  His criticism hurts, but his words of praise are gold and evoke more tears.

All of “X Factor’s” judges are prize worthy, while “American Idol’s” judges aren’t up to par.  There’s only so much “You’re beautiful” or “That was a great performance” before you wonder if these people even have a critical bone in their bodies.  ADVANTAGE:     “X FACTOR”

HOST

When comparing the two hosts, you quickly realize, there really is no comparison.

The “X Factor’s” host, Steve Jones, is quite annoying.  He seems more like an awkward referee with his time keeping, instead of someone who is supposed to make TV enjoyable.

Ryan Seacrest of “American Idol” is 100 percent better.  When he talks to the contestants it’s personal and much more enjoyable.  ADVANTAGE: “AMERICAN IDOL”

PRIZE

“American Idol” guarantees a record deal worth up to $1 million and a car.  Winners also get to be ranked with some of the most successful artists, and some of the least.  There’s about a 50/50 chance of a winner’s future being insanely successful or being a special on “Where Are They Now?”

“X Factor” guarantees a $5 million recording contract and being the star of a Pepsi commercial.  This recording contract is said to be the biggest prize on television.  While this is all great, “X Factor” has never been in America before, so we don’t know how successful the winners are.  ADVANTAGE: TIE

CONTESTANTS

On “X Factor,” almost anyone can audition.

There are four different categories with three contestants each.  Each category is assigned a different judge.

The judges mentor the contestants in their assigned category by helping with choreography and song choice.  Cowell got lucky with the girls (12-30), Reid was assigned to the boys (12-30), Scherzinger received all the over 30s (no age limit), while Abdul wasn’t as fortunate by getting the group acts.

While the group theory of “X Factor” might work in the UK, it may not work in America because we’ve already lost all three-group acts.

On “American Idol,” contestants are always solo and between the ages of 15 and 28.  This leaves out a lot of potential talent.

Contestants on “American Idol” are also left alone to find a song within the theme of the week.  ADVANTAGE:                “X FACTOR”

VOTING OFF

On “American Idol,” it is very straight forward who gets voted off.  Whoever has the lowest vote getter gets sent home.

Well, except for the new addition of the “Judge’s Save.”  This is where the judges get to save one contestant – originally planned on being voted off – they find worthy of being given a second chance during the whole season.

On “X Factor,” the two contestants with the lowest votes have a sing off during the results show.

Then we turn to the panel of judges where each judge says who they want to save.  If there are three judges that want to save the same contestant, then the other contestant is sent home.

If there is a tie, then it goes down to the contestant with the lowest vote count being sent home.  I prefer the idea of being straight forward and sending the lowest vote recipient home.  It is America’s choice, right?  ADVANTAGE: “AMERICAN IDOL”

OVERALL

It was closer than expected, but “X Factor” is definitely a better show all around.

Tell us what you think: @_TheCalifornian on twitter or on Facebook.