['The X Factor - Season 1, Episode 7]

An audition round is an audition round, and Hollywood Week by any other name ("Boot Camp") would smell as sweet, but now we've reached the "Judges' House" portion of 'The X Factor,' and this is where the show should really start to differentiate itself from its rivals.

Did it succeed? Partially. Whether any of the judges actually occupy these lavish abodes is questionable (I'm especially suspicious of Cowell), but it was a refreshing change to actually see the entirety of the contestants' performances (aside from Over 30 waiter James Kenney, who, I guess, the producers deemed too boring). Seeing only two artists between every ad break got more than a little tedious, though, as did the constant recapping of last week's events. But aren't we all jealous of Steve Jones and his jetsetting job?

Hit the jump for our four favorite performances of the night -- we picked one from each category, just to be fair, though right now I think that L.A. Reid's boys should eliminate almost everyone else.

As his fellow Brits would say, it was "handbags" time on 'The X Factor' last night as Simon Cowell lost his temper with his fellow judges.

Teenage singer Tiah Tolliver split the judging panel straight down the middle, with Cowell -- "I'm saying 'yes' a hundred percent" -- and L.A. Reid voting to put her through to the next round, and the female judges voting to send her home.

When Nicole Scherzinger said "I'll have to pass," the crowd started booing, and an irritated Cowell exclaimed "Oh, for god's sake!"

Paula Abdul's decision to say no was greeted with Cowell hurling a piece of paper to the floor and turning away in disgust.

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.