Tate Stevens

When Tate Stevens - a middle aged country singer - was crowned The X-Factor winner, there was an overwhelming feeling that this year's X-Factor has been, well, underwhelming. 

It's not as of Simon Cowell - now in a relationship with Carmen Elektra - can't put a band together and take over the world, he's proven he can do that. And it's not even as if he can't dominate ratings charts; his time on American Idol proved he's got the skills there, too. So why hasn't The X-Factor USA dominated headlines and ratings? "One problem for Cowell is that 'Idol' launched 10 years ago and it's a different environment now," postulates Michael Slezak, senior editor at TVLine.com. "What worked 10 years ago might not work now." One problem may be the chemistry of judges that sit behind the infamous desk of judgement. "Britney had the hint of stunt casting and ultimately putting a big name on these panels does more for the names than the show," said Hollywood Reporter music editor Shirley Halperin. "For Britney it keeps her out there for a year without touring or making a video ... but without a meltdown or her being really awesome, was it worth the [reported] $15 million? Probably not."

It appears the American versions of both the X-Factor and The Voice switch roles depending on their audience. In America, Cowell's grievances at The Voice's domination manifests itself via public, toys-out-the-pram-esque outbursts, whereas in the U.K, The X-Factor trumps The Voice in nearly every category. 

After being spotted getting cosy numerous times, Simon Cowell has confirmed he is dating the model Carmen Electra. The X Factor star stopped by Ryan Seacrest's radio show on Wednesday (December 19, 2012) to speak about the Fox singing contest finale, though the host turned attention to Cowell's rumored relationship.

Seacrest asked if Carmen was Simon's new girlfriend, to which the Brit laughed, "Girlfriend? We're people who date. She's adorable, isn't she?" Electra's past boyfriends include Dave Navarro, Rob Patterson of Korn, Dennis Rodman and Tommy Lee. Cowell has enjoyed a string of romances, with the likes of Mezhgan Hussainy, Jasmine Lennard and Terri Seymour. After getting the answer he was looking for, Seacrest moved on and asked Cowell about L.A. Reid's departure from The X Factor, saying, "I'm going to miss him, because he's a good guy, but he has to go back and run the record label." As for rumors that Chris Brown or Rihanna could replace the label boss, Cowell was much clearer, saying, "That is complete rubbish, absolute rubbish."

Country crooner Tate Stevens was crowned the X Factor champion on Thursday afternoon, after 35 million votes were cast across the U.S. He wins a $5 million recording contract.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Confirms He's Dating Carmen Electra, "She's Adorable"

The X Factor final is tonight, and whilst America waits for the outcome one person thinks he knows who will walk away victorious at the end of the night: Tate Stevens. And who's he backing? Himself.

The competition is now a three horse race between teen sensation Carly Rose Sonenclar, girl group (since the audition stages at least) Fifth Harmony and country crooner Tate Stevens, and Stevens is more determined than the lot to walk away as victor that the lot it seems. Stevens, a street crew worker from Belton, Montana, probably wont have to worry about returning to his old life anytime soon after the show ends, but that doesn't mean a whole lot to the 37-year old husband so long as he gets his hand on the top prize.

Speaking with the LA Times recently, Stevens voiced his ambition to emerge victorious in the competition saying: "Once I figured out that, hey, I’m in --  I want to win. That’s honest. I didn’t come here to lose, I didn’t come here to take second. I came here to win."

Continue reading: X Factor's Tate Stevens Isn't Ready To Settle For Runners Up Place

X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Britney Spears arrive for the US final party

In the aftermath of the US X Factor quarter-finals, the star judges and final four were looking their best as finalists and past alumni gathered with them to celebrate the move towards the climax of the show's second season in the US. Big changes were made this year to the judging panel, with Britney Spears and Demi Lovato entering the fray, and though Spears has received some negative criticism, she's in truth managed to hold her own on her first run of the show. Certainly the pair, alongside original judges La Reid and show creator Simon Cowell, looked content to be at the event at Mixology in Los Angeles last night (December 6).

Continue reading: Pictures: Judges And Semi Finalists Attend X Factor USA Viewing Party

The X-Factor judges had mixed feelings when the categories were announced on Wednesday night’s show (October, 10). After more than half the singers were told they wouldn't be advancing, the singers then learned they'd be competing in groups of Teens, Young Adults, Over 25s and Groups, reports MTV.

CeCe Frey, Willie Jones, Janelle Garcia, Nick Youngerman, Paige Thomas and Jillian Jensen all had been picked to compete in the Young Adults group, which will be under Demi Lovato’s control. "I have the winning team," she promised. Jason Brock, Daryl Black, David Correy, Tara Simon, Tate Stevens and Vino Alan grabbed places in the Over 25s group, which will be over seen by La Reid, who didn’t seem too happy with the decision. "The what?" he angrily said, before slamming the phone down storming off. "Are you serious? Oh my god! That is amazing," said Britney Spears on learning that she’d been handed Beatrice Miller, James Tanner, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Diamond White, Reed Deming and Arin Ray in the teenagers group. Simon Cowell takes the reins with the groups, Sister C, Dope Crisis and Emblem3, and said: "I'll make the most of it. I'm happy for them.”

Ironically, it was the youngest mentor, Justin Bieber, who had some words of advice for the oldest competitors, the Over 25s. "They told me I was too young and you're never too old or too young," he assured. "You definitely are in good hands."