‘The X Factor’ Slated To Square Off Against ‘The Voice’

NBC is so confident in its singing competition The Voice that it’s willing to put the program up against Simon Cowell’s X Factor for its season premiere, according to the Associated Press. Not surprisingly, the move has caused a great deal of irritation for Cowell, who remains convinced that his like-minded television show will destroy the competition in the ratings. For his sake, I certainly hope he’s right.

The Voice, which features Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green, and Christina Aguilera, was originally supposed to air Monday and Tuesday. However, in an attempt to steal some glory away from its rival, the network announced the addition of a third episode. Much to Cowell’s dismay, the final installment of the show’s premiere is slated to air at the same time as The X Factor.

“I think it’s mean-spirited and I hope and I pray that it backfires on them, because it’s one of the best shows we’ve ever made,” Cowell explained to the AP. He also believes viewers will ultimately choose The X Factor over The Voice in the long run.

“But I’ve learned, don’t make any predictions,” he added.

Powering this season of Cowell’s talent competition is the addition of Britney Spears, pop singer and former troubled celebrity. During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the former American Idol judge explained that Spears is much meaner than some viewers may realize.

“She has taken this very seriously and she’s surprisingly quite mean,” he said. “In the past we’ve had judges that never say no. She can’t say no quick enough on this show. She’s quite difficult to please.”

Demi Lovato is also reportedly a bit of a firecracker, prompting Cowell to describe the duo as “two racehorses who are very talented but very difficult to control.”

FOX’s The X Factor premieres on September 12 at 8 pm. The third part of NBC’s The Voice is also scheduled to air at 8pm. Which show will you choose?