THE X FACTOR MARKS ITS SPOT WITH $5 MILLION PRIZE

Move over, American Idol. You’ve got some competition.

Ex-Idol judge Simon Cowell’s new Fox show, The X Factor, is coming to America, and will award the show’s winner with a record-breaking $5 million record deal—the largest guaranteed prize in TV history—with Syco, a joint venture between Sony Music and Cowell.

The X Factor is looking for singers and vocal groups age 12 and over, with no upper age limit, to audition for a shot to become “the next global music sensation.”

Auditions begin Sunday, March 27 in L.A. at the Sports Arena, with Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York/New Jersey and Seattle also hosting auditions, with specific dates and venues to be announced. To sign up for audition information, go to www.fox.com/thexfactor.

“I like the idea that a 12-year-old on this show can compete with an older singer and a singing group,” said Cowell. “I’ve never believed there should be a cut-off age for talent, and we are going to put our money where our mouths are with the $5 million recording contract. I’m doing this show in America because I genuinely believe we can find a superstar.”

“I have always been proud of the achievements of The X Factor worldwide, and am looking forward to its American launch,” said Sony Corp. Chairman/CEO and President Sir Howard Stringer. “I have no doubt the show will find winners worthy of international acclaim and career longevity, and believe with Sony’s worldwide effort, the winners’ potential can be unlimited.”

“The X Factor has become a worldwide phenomenon and is unlike anything we’ve seen in America,” said Fox President of Alternative Entertainment Mike Darnell. “The British version is wildly entertaining, but also has a penchant for stirring up controversy. You never know what Simon has up his sleeve, and since he will be working both behind and in front of the camera, the country should brace itself to expect the unexpected.”

“Since its U.K. debut in 2004, The X Factor has proven itself a global success story in numerous territories worldwide,” said executive producer FremantleMedia N.A. CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Now, as we bring this widely popular format to U.S. audiences, I look forward to building a new franchise for a new decade with the return of the inimitable Simon Cowell.”

In the coming weeks, The X Factor host and judges panel will be unveiled and announcements will be made about audition opportunities. There also will be reveals of unprecedented initiatives that will make The X Factor unlike anything else on television.

Pepsi will serve as an official sponsor of the show, a comprehensive sponsorship which includes an extensive, multi-platform off-air marketing partnership; weekly in-show integrations and placements; and an immersive content experience online.

The show is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America, with Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene executive producers for Syco Television, while Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia N.A.