X factor: seniors, naked bloggers, and sexy single dad rule the show

The premiere episode of X factor felt just like a family reunion: lots of nutcases, a few feel-good moments, and Auntie Paula walking out in a huff.

Yes, Paula Abdul surprised no one when she stormed off the set when a 43-year-old blogger, Geo Godley, decided to drop his pants and show of his “XXX” factor. (Later on, a 61-year-old retired court clerk sang, “I Touch Myself”—but, to everyone’s relief, kept her clothes on and her hands in the air.)

Simon Cowell was noticeably kinder, but the snarkiness we have all grown to know and love reemerged when he met a flamboyant hotel performer in blue fishnet stockings. “You are talented but you are deluded.” And there those who were untalented and deluded, like the 83-year-old and 70-year-old couple who murdered “Unchained Melody.” They didn’t get through, but will continue their cross-country concert tour at “the most beautiful senior centers.” Mercifully, most of their audience are half-deaf.

There were the trademark tearjerkers, like the single mom who just got out of rehab and dreams of turning her life, a young dad who hauls trash every day just to feed his two-year-old son (hear his original song) and the perky 13-year old whose parents are broke. And there’s the eyecandy: 36-year-old hunk Terrell Carter and 14-year-old cutie John Lindahl.

All in all, it was an interesting episode—and promises to give American Idol a run for its money.