Has Simon Cowell turned over a new, and decidedly more pleasant, leaf?
Not really, but that the premise of a brand-new promo for his upcoming talent competition "The X Factor," which premiered Tuesday during the MLB All-Star Game.
Also read: "The X Factor": What's With Our Need to Be Judged by the British?
The promo begins with Cowell, surrounded by his new judging cohorts Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Antonio "L.A." Reid, actually — gasp! — being supportive of the talent that's presenting itself to him. But as the clip progresses, it's revealed that the scenario is a dream — or, rather, for Cowell, a nightmare — and the viewer is quickly treated to the familiar sight of former "American Idol" judge Cowell berating substandard warblers in his famously cantankerous manner.
The American version of "The X Factor" premieres Wednesday, September 21 on Fox. Until then, gear up for the glory of it all by checking out the video — and the first official photo of the judges (above), also released today.