Already an international sensation, Simon Cowell finally managed to bring 'The X Factor' (Wed., 8PM ET on FOX) stateside, and while it's expected to get massive ratings for this premiere, featuring the returns of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul together, along with L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and ever-so-briefly Cheryl Cole.

But as much as Cowell might wish it weren't so, it's about the contestants they manage to find. And while Chris Rene, who was 70 days sober and trying to turn his life around, blew everyone away with a heartfelt original performance, it was another contestant who perhaps best personified what makes 'The X Factor' different.