The series proves Cowell is back on form with acid-tongued put-downs such as "Enter a competition that doesn't have talent in front of it". The programme is the first produced by Cowell's new independent production company, Syco.
Cowell is joined by Sharon Osbourne and former Westlife manager Louis Walsh on the judging panel. Opinionated Osbourne is also set to be a star of the show after describing a twin girl band, one in leather trousers and the other in a miniskirt, as "a pair of ropey old strippers".
The show begins this Saturday at 7.35pm on ITV1 and is presented by Kate Thornton. It differs from 'Pop Idol' and 'Fame Academy' in that anyone aged 16+ can take part, and vocal groups can compete.
The judges have to whittle the 50,000 applicants down to 120, who will then attend a two-day intensive boot-camp divided into the following categories: 16-25 solo; 25 and over solo; and group.
Each group will be mentored by either Cowell, Osbourne and Walsh.
"This is about as raw as you're gonna get," Cowell said.
'X Factor' is set to bolster ITV's ratings, which have slumped due to formats like reality DIY show 'The Block' failing to impress viewers.
Last year, 'Pop Idol' regularly secured 8m viewers and was a big hit for ITV1.
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