Simon Cowell is back on television with his phenomenal hit singing competition “The X Factor” finally invading the United States and seen in different parts of the world including the Philippines this Thursday (Sept 22) and Friday (Sep 23) via satellite on Studio 23.

The former “American Idol” judge, who left the show to create this newest global brand, will be reunited with his fellow ‘Idol’ judge Paula Abdul once again to judge raw, undiscovered singing talents alongside music mogul L.A. Reid and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

“The X Factor is a singing competition with a twist. It’s very difficult describing how different it’s going to be until you see it,” said Simon.

Hosted by Steve Jones, the show will be searching for the next great singing superstar or group who will be competing for the biggest prize in television history—a US $5 million Sony Music recording deal and an appearance in Pepsi’s 2012 Superbowl spot.

As early as the audition stage, hopefuls must already face the challenge of performing before a live audience. Selected contestants will then have to take part in a hardcore boot camp to prove their star potential.

Judges will then select only a few to advance to the next level and mentor their chosen ones.

“So here, it’s not just the contestants who compete, the judges compete too,” said Simon.

The judges will make their last and final cut and candidates chosen will be the official finalists who will move in together in the X Factor house and compete week every week in the live show where they will be scrutinized by the fifth judge— the viewers.

First introduced in the UK, “The X Factor” gave birth to multi-platinum album selling artists Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke. To date, it is considered to be UK’s biggest talent search.

It has already conquered more than 30 countries around the globe and as of June 2011, there have been 53 X Factor winners all over the world.

Who will be USA’s first ever X Factor winner?

Don’t miss the season premiere of the first U.S. season of “The X Factor” this Thursday (Sept 22) and Friday (Sep 23), 6:00 PM, airing on Philippine free TV exclusively on Studio 23 via satellite. You can also catch it on its same night replay at 9:30 PM.