MUMBAI: AXN will kick off the music-based reality show X Factor on 22 September.

The show will air Thursday - Friday at 7 pm to catch the youth audiences. The repeat at 10 pm the same day is to draw in the channel's regular viewers.

Said AXN India senior VP Rohit Bhandari, "The aim is to broaden the appeal of the channel and attract an older audience as well."

Simon Cowell, who used to judge American Idol, will be the judge of this show. The panel also includes Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherinzger and Antonio 'L.A.' Reid The victor, who could be a single artist, a band or a troupe, gets a $5 million contract with Syco/Sony Music.

The contestants with their vocal ability, charisma and stage presence have the task of not only spellbinding the panel but also engaging fans The format originated in the UK.