X Factor USA Will Offer Record Breaking $5 Million To Winner

The Winner of this year’s American ‘X Factor’ will receive a $5 million Sony Music record deal, it has been announced today. The amount marks the largest guaranteed price ever awarded in TV history.

In an announcement on Fox network’s official 'X Factor' website, Cowell revealed that the American competition will be aired this August after auditions in cities including New York, Miami, Dallas, Seattle and Chicago. In a change of pace the American version of the show will also feature children as young as 12 after the programme has decided to lower the younger age limit from the UK version.

Cowell said:"I like the idea that a 12-year-old on this show can compete with an older singer and a singing group. 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."

Despite the updates, it still hasn’t been confirmed who will be on the shows judging panel. Early reports indicate that the final line-up will be released in the next few weeks. It is equally unclear who will be hosting the US version, although British host Dermot O’Leary is less than optimistic about his chances.

The host recently appeared on Alan Carr’s chat show, saying:"In my water I don’t think I will get it. I’m not being deliberately pessimistic. It’s gone on so long now that I’ve kind of made peace with that. It’s an American show, and it’s between me and four Americans - I’d imagine an American would get it. Just because, for the sake of balance, If Cheryl gets the show they’ll probably want an American host."

"I don’t really want to give up the UK job. That’s really important."he added.

You can watch the official 'X Factor' launch video below:

Related The X Factor News& Reviews:

The Cover Version: Hasn’t It Had Its Day? (Feature) Date: Mon 17th Jan 2011 | Written By: Rob Sleigh

Why The X Factor Doesn't Get My Vote (Feature) Date: Tue 4th Jan 2011 | Written By: Rob Burns

Ofcom To Investigate The X Factor Over Music Downloads Promotion Date: Wed 8th Dec 2010 | Written By: Brad Norris

The X Factor: Scouting Talent or Strangling Creativity? (Feature) Date: Thu 30th Sep 2010 | Written By: Daniel Lynch

Source