Simon Cowell Talks 'X Factor' Expectations and What the Show Is Searching For (VIDEO)

On the eve of Wednesday night's 'The X Factor' premiere, Matt Lauer traveled to Simon Cowell's L.A. mansion for a fireside 'Today' (7AM ET on NBC) chat. The two talked about Cowell's expectations for the new show, critics who are rooting for Cowell to fail, and what defines that elusive x-factor the show is looking to find.

"You'll see the most ginarmous fireworks display in Los Angeles if this show bombed," Cowell said, pointing out at the city. But Cowell may be his own harshest critic: he told Lauer that if the show doesn't draw in 20 million viewers, a number that would put it on par with 'Idol,' he'd consider it a flop.

Lauer then asked Cowell to define what exactly the 'X Factor' is. By its very nature, it's an elusive, know-it-when-you-hear-it concept. Cowell said you have to keep an open mind watching contestants perform, and pointed to an early performance where a singer kicked things into another gear that blew him away. Cowell could tell the live audience was experiencing the same special feeling he was, and pointed to that as an example of what the show is searching for.