American Idol is starting back this week.. which of the singing competitions is your favorite?

I'm surprised I answered "X Factor" because I've always loved American Idol. But with the exception of the awful host on the US X Factor, I like the fact that the judges mentor the contestants directly and that they help produce major production numbers. I also like Simon Cowell. He is the original only real judge that says what most people are thinking. I still think Ryan Idol (I mean Seacrest) is the best host though.

OK. The premiere of American Idol was pretty good. This format is still fresh to me even though I liked X Factor's new format this year. I've never been a fan of the auditions phase, but I know a lot of people like seeing the train wrecks. I'm not really one of them. I'd rather wait until the top 24 or 36 are picked then start watching. So I'll skim these first few weeks. I noticed that Idol is going to have a Sunday night auditions episode as well.