Tens of thousands auditioned for one of the most anticipated TV series debuts in recent memory - Season 1 of THE X FACTOR USA, which bowed on Fox on Sept. 21, 2011 featuring judges Simon Cowell and Antonio L.A. Reid, who return for Season 2; and judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, who parted ways after Season 1.

The excitement over the successful U.K. program finally making its way to the U.S. was due in part to the fact that it veers from the typical format and style of other competition shows in several key ways. For one, viewers get a sneak peak inside the audition process through various stages - from the first auditions on a big stage and in front of a large audience to a grueling boot camp where hopefuls are truly put through the performance ringer to intimate make it or break it performances at the judges' houses to live shows that, as some critics described, seemed akin to mega-Grammy Awards show performances complete with staging, lighting, choreography, and back-up dancers.

But, more important, it's the only show of its kind that looks for all types of artists in every musical genres ranging from rap and hip-hop to rock bands to pop singers to country acts and more in a larger age range from 12-years-old on up, with no age limit. The show also brought home awards for its innovative digital experience via social media -including allowing fans to vote via Facebook and Twitter - a live digital pre-show, and a second-screen, real-time experience app for tablets.

After a dramatic season filled with unbelievable talent, unexpected and exciting twists and turns, and an emotional mix of heart wrenching and heartwarming moments, 19-year-old Florida/British Virgin Islands-bred singer Melanie Amaro took the Season 1 crown and the $5 million recording contract prize with Syco/Sony Music on Dec. 22, 2011. Cowell, mentor of the Girls category, was the winning judge for Season 1. The Top 5 contestants included Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, and Rachel Crow. Season 1 featured four categories - the aforementioned Girls, as well as Boys, Over 30s, and Groups.

The season - which featured contestants ranging in age from 13 to 60 - was jam-packed with water-cooler moments, starting with our season winner being eliminated during the Judges' Houses round only to be brought back when Cowell had second thoughts shortly thereafter, making her eventual win all the more exciting. Other highlights included 13-year-old Rachel Crow's unexpected exit amidst a sea of tears from her, the judges, and the audience. Crow ended up placing fifth and signed to Columbia Records post-X FACTOR,cheap dvds free shipping. Another unforgettable moment was the drama that ensued when 15-year-old rapper Astro snapped back at the judges for having to sing for survival after being in the bottom three. He later apologized.

And, let's not forget the season's most memorable performances, including Amaro's rendition of R. Kelly's "The World's Greatest," Krajcik's take on the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses," the first time we heard Rene sing his original song, "Young Homie," and, of course, Marcus Canty's Michael Jackson night knock-out of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" The season's special guests also made the show a much-talked about television event week-after-week with Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias, and Pharrell Williams serving as guest judges, and an array of cutting-edge talent taking THE X FACTOR stage for exclusive performances, including Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, Mary J,tv series 24. Blige, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Jessie J, and others.

The show's auspicious debut followed seven years of being the No. 1 rated program in the U.K. where the singing competition debuted in 2004 and spawned several mega-stars, including One Direction, Cher Lloyd, and Leona Lewis. The series has received numerous honors worldwide, and more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through the series, including more than 250 No. 1, 270 Top 10, and 501 Top 50 releases. Versions of THE X FACTOR are now produced in more than 43 territories and the U.S. version airs in more than 162 countries.