The X-Factor

An insider's guide to the pop industry from the "Mr. Nasty" of the British TV phenomenons "American Idol "and "Pop Idol,"As head of RCA Records, the author is perfectly positioned to write a book about how to make it in the pop world, and there is no doubt that the acerbic tongue responsible for reducing so many of the Pop Idol hopefuls to tears with comments such as " you sound] like Mickey Mouse on helium" and "He has major presence. You don't. Ferrari - Skoda," will be put to task on the stars of pop. Here Simon reveals what he really thinks about certain bands and pop stars, who's got it and who hasn't, and will give the advice every aspiring pop star needs to know.The book looks at all aspects of the pop industry from record companies and management to choosing an image and dealing with press and promotional work, covering real-life successes and failures. Do you have to be thin and attractive? Can you rely on personality alone? What exactly is that elusive X-factor?