'The X Factor' Promo Parodies 'American Idol'

Simon Cowell's The X Factor debuted an extended promo, which not-so-subtly mocked the overly supportive judging on American Idol after Cowell’s exit, on Tuesday night during the MLB All-Star Game. The show premieres on September 21 on Fox at 8 p.m.

As obviously untalented auditioners parade past, a pink-sweatered Cowell says, "I love you," and "It's not about me anymore. It's about them." He is shown getting into a hybrid car, a jab at Ford’s product placement on Idol. He suddenly wakes up from his “nightmare,” wearing his familiar deep-V-neck T-shirt.

When we’re brought back to reality, Cowell, driving a black sports car, is shown as being as harsh as ever. "That was horrific," he tells one contestant. "Absolute total rubbish." Even fellow judges Paula Abdul and Antonio “L.A.” Reid are shown to be agreeing with some of Cowell’s assessments. Nicole Scherzinger is the only one who comes off as sweet, even tearing up at one performance.

Unlike the upbeat ad campaigns for The Voice and the most recent season of American Idol, The X Factor's judges promise to ruthlessly mold the talent they find. The winner will receive a $5 million prize.

Watch the promo here: