Next week, Simon Cowell will attempt to take over America using three little words: 'The X Factor' (premieres Wed., Sept. 21, 8PM ET on Fox).

Already a smash hit in the UK (where episodes have been known to capture over 60 percent of the country's audience in a single airing) and across the world, Cowell's answer to 'Idol' is certainly competing with its predecessor in terms of buzz right out of the gate, thanks in no small part to the promised reunion of Cowell and his former 'AI' sparring partner, Paula Abdul.



Following a preview of the first two episodes, AOL TV caught up with the two 'Idol' alums, plus fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger and charming 'X Factor' host Steve Jones, to get their take on auditioning in front of a live audience, the rivalries already forming between the judges and whether or not 'The Voice' stole their thunder.