The X Factor is a $5 million hit

FOX's "The X Factor" World Premiere Screening Event at the Arclight Cinerama Dome on September 14, in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

There is no doubt, The X Factor is a hit. I wasn't disappointed with the two-hour premiere. It lives up to the hype with some amazing talent discoveries and backstories that brought me to tears.

I was overjoyed to see Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul reunited for the X Factor. The softer side of Simon took a little getting use to, but like it. And, who knew Simon would meet his match with judge and record executive, Antonio "L.A." Reid, who doesn't always agree with Simon's choices. Pop stars Cheryl Cole and Nicole Scherzinger fit perfectly as the floating fourth judge. Pussycat Doll Scherzinger will remain as the fourth judge. Add to the mix, Steve Jones, as the host, and I think this is a fab cast.

With a $5 million record contract on the line, it was great to see the auditions being held in front of a live audience. I was thrilled we didn't have to sit through a bunch of bull and plain bad singing all night. Although there was some, most of the night was upbeat and positive talent.

Singers as young as 13, and groups are allowed to participate.

Rachel Crow, 13, sang "Mercy," and told the judges she needed the money for her family to get a bigger home. She stole the judges hearts and went through to the next round.

Stacy Francis, 42, has been told since she was 30 that she is too old to have a singing career. She told Simon, "I don't want to die with this music in me." Then she belted out Aretha Franklin's, (You Make Me Feel Like A) "Natural Woman," and brought the house to its feet. Simon told her it was one of the best auditions he has ever heard.

Marcus Canty, 20, sang Stevie Wonder's, "I Wish." The crowd went wild and Canty fell to his knees after his performance. L.A. called him a young Bobby Brown. And, Simon agreed that he will be one to watch.

Chris Rene, 28, a trash collector and recovering drug addict 70 days clean, closed the show. He sang an original song, "Young Homey." Everyone loved it. After three judges said yes, Simon made a deal before he gave him the nod. Simon asked him if he would stay clean for himself, and his son? After an affirmative, Rene was "trippin" into the next round, because he was told he has it - he has the X Factor.

Did you watch the show? What did you think about it? Will X Factor give Idol a run for it's money? I think it already has.

Don't forget to watch part two of the premiere tonight on FOX at 8 pm ET.