x-factor-simon-cowell-large.jpgThe inaugural season of "The X
Factor" in the United States got rolling Sunday (May 8) in Los
Angeles. It was the first time judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdu,
L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole worked together as a group, and it
marked the start of a long and presumably hype-filled road to
the show's debut on FOX in September.  A lot of that hype will
probably have to do with the ways that "The X Factor" differs
from Cowell's (and Abdul's) previous FOX talent competition,
"American Idol." Zap2it was in attendance at the first taping
Sunday. Based on what we saw, we think viewers won't have much
problem telling the difference once "The X Factor" is on the
air.  Because it was the first taping, what we saw Sunday was a
little unpolished at times. There wasn't a lot of back-and-forth
among the judges, for instance, but presumably as they get to
know each other better that will change. What was clear right
way, though, was that "The X Factor" really isn't an "Idol"
clone. Here are three key d