Q&A with The X Factor’s L.A. Reid Part 2 - Page 2

 Now, I will say that there were people in other categories that I loved equally and, some of them I wish I had, I have to tell you.

Like who?
No, that I won’t tell you, but you’ll see as the show goes on. You’ll see.  I am going to be pretty obvious because I don’t have a poker face, so if I like something, I react to it, and my reaction will tell the story. 

I’m wondering in sort of comparing the show to American Idol and one of the talking points in your criticism or of your evaluation of the candidates is the $5 million prize.  How much does that influence the final choices as you go through the talent and judge it? 

First and foremost, Roy, it’s the talent.  It’s about the talent and the uniqueness of the talent, and their reach and their appeal and their ability to deliver material and to try to show some range and some diversity.  That’s the first and most important thing, right?  Yes, we talk about the prize, the $5 million, because it’s a lot of money.  It’s probably the most money anybody has ever won on a talent competition such as this, so, yes, we put emphasis on it, but for me, the most important emphasis is actually the talent itself.

I’m curious about your reaction to Brian Bradley, the young rapper.  At times, you seem very enthusiastic about him and then at times, you wonder if he’s a novelty.  Do you think he’s the real deal?  Can he find an audience out there? 

Well, we have to see, we really do have to see.  He’s quite popular on YouTube and YouTube is a great indicator.  He gets lots of hits.  He’s probably a million-and-a-half hits or something like that.  That’s nothing to sneeze at.  So, he certainly has the ability to have popularity.  But, again, we’ll do the best that we can. I really like him, by the way.  I should say that even though I make comments that sort of go back and forth.   Those are just me voicing my concerns.  I would voice my concerns about a superstar.  I voice my concerns to Mariah Carey about her life and her music, so me having concerns is not an indication that I don’t like or believe in a contestant or an artist, but ultimately, it’s going to be up to the public. 

Article Author: Diane Morasco

Diane Morasco created The Book Resort in 2009. In 2011 she founded Morasco Media and in 2012 Morasco Enterprises. Ms. Morasco is the Founder and CEO of Morasco Media(MM) and Morasco Enterprises(ME).

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