It's time. Simon Cowell's return to U.S. television on "The X Factor" arrives Wednesday night, sporting the largest prize in TV history: a $5 million recording contract. The judges are introduced: In addition to Simon, we've got Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul, "and introducing..." Cheryl Cole. The opening sequence features big, dramatic moments -- including Paula sobbing like nobody's business, and Simon saying he's "hating this," the whole thing is some kind of bleeped expletive and it's "just not working." Then we get title music that sounds eerily similar to "America's Got Talent." Host Steve Jones explains the whole deal: The first audition in L.A. has 20,000 people waiting to audition, which Steve calls a record audition turnout for the city. The rules: Anyone over 12 can audition, either solo or in a group. Then the judges are introduced -- again. Simon says he "walked away from the number one show in America to start a new show. The whole thing's a gamble." L.A. Reid says he walked away from his job as chairman at Island-Def Jam Records. Cheryl Cole joins the auditions in L.A., and Paula is back, saying she's "looking forward to sitting next to my partner in crime."

The premiere season of the "The X Factor" continues its auditions in Miami and Dallas as the quest for the $5 million recording contract winner continues. First up is Miami, where 29-year-old Ashley Sansone wears a glittery dress and says people mistake her for a pop singer. This doesn't seem like it's going to end well and she says she wants to channel all her energy into the audience and shares that her email address is "unstoppable talent." She doesn't want to sing songs about Gummi Bears. She starts singing what sounds like Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart." But she might have spared the show some royalties because her lyrics are completely unintelligible. L.A. Reid says he wanted to slit his wrists while she was singing. Simon says he couldn't understand a word she sang. This kicks off a string of bad acts, including a terrible singer who demands an explanation before leaving the stage, a trio of cowboy-hat-wearing fellas, and a mom-and-daughter duet who call themselves "Dreamgirlz, with a 'z'." Gloria Estefan is apparently hoping the rhythm is going to get someone, as she tries to inspire the waiting contestants. Finally, we get a fresh-faced girl who's got a bunch of family with her. Caitlynne Curtis, 16, shows some serious nerves while she sings just the opening bit of Katy Perry's "Firework." Nicole Scherzinger says "there's room to grow." Simon says that's not good news and suggests that she join a group where she doesn't have to "rely on a fantastic vocal." Simon votes no and Caitlynne starts to cry. Paula's worried a breakdown is coming and runs up to the stage to give Caitlynne a supportive hug. Fed up, Simon tells one of the producers, "I hope this is the worst session." The judges take a break and Simon's none too pleased with the talent in Miami. Paula is worried for Simon. Meanwhile, the next contestant tells us his boss fired him for taking time off to go to the audition

Chicago/Seattle Auditions Episode 3 of The X Factor USA spanned the genre spectrum, with fans of Radiohead, Justin Bieber and traditional country facing judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger at auditions in Seattle. Oh, and one Ms Cheryl Cole made another brief cameo in Chicago...

The final auditions episode features the acts auditioning in Newark.

The first rounds of Boot Camp see the field of hopefuls pared down.

The second night of Boot Camp will reveal the final 32 acts through to the Judges' Homes round, and the judges will find out what category they're mentoring for the rest of the season.

In the first of the 3-part Judges' Homes round, the final 32 will sing at their mentor's homes around the globe as only 16 can go through to the live shows.

In the second of the 3-part Judges' Homes round, the final 32 will sing at their mentor's homes around the globe as only 16 can go through to the live shows.

In the final part of the Judges' Homes round, the judges will reveal which 16 acts are through to the live shows. And there's a bit of a twist involved...

The top 17 acts who survived the judges’ homes take the stage for their first LIVE performance. Witness the concert-like performances as the finalists separated into four categories: boys, girls, over 30s and groups set out to win over the country and judges for their chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

The finalists from the four categories – Boys, Girls, Over 30s and Groups – perform live for their chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. After the performances, it is up to America to vote to keep their favorite acts safe in the competition. Tune in to see who will mark their spot on stage and who will fall flat.

One of the remaining 12 finalists from the four categories – Boys, Girls, Over 30s and Groups – is sent home as the votes are revealed live. Tune in to see who will be sent packing.

Another all-new LIVE performance show featuring the final acts from the Boys, Girls, Over 30s and Groups categories. Watch the drama and the emotion as they compete for a life-changing $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Find out which act will be sent packing on an all-new episode of THE X FACTOR.

Can you believe we're down to the final nine? Tonight, all the acts are giving thanks to people who are important or inspirational in their lives. And in staying true to the spirit of holiday giving and niceties, they've decided to kick two people off tomorrow. So sweet!

A double elimination leaves only seven acts remaining. Also: Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars perform.

The remaining seven acts perform.

A finalist gets the boot in a results edition.

The final six acts hit the stage.

Another finalist is voted off the show.

The final boot camp in Miami for the contestants, who are judged on their singing, dancing and performance styles. Also, mentoring by the judges.

The Top 16 acts compete.

The remaining contestants visit the homes of the judges for mentoring.

The Top 16 acts compete.

THE X FACTOR introduces the Top 12 Finalists.

The Top 12 finalists from the four categories - Demi Lovato's Girls, Paulina Rubio's Boys, Kelly Rowland's Over 25s, and Simon Cowell's Groups - perform live for their chance to win THE X FACTOR. After the performances, it's up to America to vote to keep their favorite acts safe in the competition.

The Top 12 Acts perform again for your votes due to a technical snafu.

The remaining hopefuls perform.

Contestants face elimination.

The finalists perform songs by U.K. artists.

The artists face elimination.

The acts perform with a live band.

The acts face elimination.

The remaining acts perform.

The contestants face elimination.

The acts each perform two songs.

Elimination.

The remaining acts perform.

Mario Lopez announces the winner.