Simon Cowell's much-hyped latest show 'The X Factor' finally launched stateside last night. It's sure to have done well in the ratings, but was it any good?

Following the same format as its British predecessor, 'The X Factor' showcased the tried and tested mix of producers' auditions and live performances in front of the judges and a live audience.

There were some inspirational tales, some great singers and some well, pretty bad performances.

Critics have praised the slick production values, but many feel we've been here before. 'New York' magazine described it as "'American Idol' meets a more lucrative contract for Simon Cowell."

The judges -- especially Nicole Scherzinger -- have been criticized for their contributions (or lack thereof). And some critics have questioned the possible exploitation of poor contestants.

The Wrap pointed to the fact that most contestants named money as a motivation in trying out for the show, and said it was "great, if you like watching desperate people play the lottery."

A case in point was 13-year old Rachel Crow, who belted out a powerful rendition of Duffy's hit 'Mercy.' When Cowell asked her what she'd do with the $5 million prize, she replied "My family has, like, no money. We live in a two-bedroom house, and I have six people in my family. ... I'm a girl. I need my own bathroom."

The U.K. 'X Factor' has already been accused of exploiting vulnerable contestants to boost ratings. Mental health campaigners point to middle-aged woman Ceri Rees who, despite having basically no singing talent, has been put through to the bootcamp stage on four separate seasons since 2005.

Final performer -- and recovering addict -- Chris Rene last night blew the judges away with 'Young Homey,' an original song detailing his very recent return to sobriety. He said he's been sober for 70 days after trying to run his life around for his young son. The judges advised to stay on the straight and narrow, and Rene's journey seems likely to feature heavily in 'The X Factor' debut season.

The off-screen drama surrounding the judging panel grabbed headlines all summer. Singer -- and reality show winner -- Cheryl Cole was imported from the U.K. show only to be unceremoniously booted a few weeks later. Meanwhile, 'American Idol' vet Paula Abdul publicly vacillated, only signing on at the very last minute.

Cole was given a decent amount of screen time in last night's premiere and, despite Cowell's assertions that she was axed for being "bewildered" and "uncomfortable," her Geordie accent seems to have charmed many critics.

The Wrap deemed her "the most authentic panelist," and 'The Chicago Tribune' said "She seemed perfectly at ease with the other judges -- and perfectly easy to understand."

'The Los Angeles Times' says "on a first impression, she is much more interesting than Scherzinger," and then describes the former Pussycat Doll as seemingly "more interested in tearing up and out-glamming 'Idol's Jennifer Lopez than bringing much to the commentary."

Other critics have also pointed to Scherzinger's lack of contributions. 'The New York Times' referred to her as "a pretty face but, judicially speaking, not much more than a seat warmer." TVLine mentioned the numerous close-ups of her "quivering/immaculately glossed lower lip," and 'Entertainment Weekly' poked fun at her odd use of grammar.

Fellow judge L.A. Reid is generally deemed to have acquitted himself well, but 'The Washington Post' describes him as having "that P Puff Diddy Daddy air of stiffness that apparently connotes executive success in the music industry."

Lastly, spare a though for host Steve Jones. The Welsh former model must have thought he'd avoided the curse of Brian Dunkleman after co-host Scherzinger was upped to the judges' table, but after last night the New York Times branded him "totally irrelevant," and most critics failed to mention him at all.

'The X Factor' airs Wednesday and Thursdays, 8PM ET on Fox.