On "American Idol," a contestant sang about "Pants on the Ground." On "The X Factor," a singer dropped his pants to the ground and sent Paula Abdul running for cover.
In a scene from Fox's new talent show, the contestant was performing his original song "I'm a Stud" when he pulled his pants down and danced onstage in front of an audience that responded with boos. At a preview for the show Wednesday night, a clip included a graphic of the show's stylized "X" superimposed over his apparent nudity.
A grimacing Abdul is shown getting up and retreating backstage. Panelist Antonio "L.A." Reid called the display disgusting, upsetting and offensive.
"The X Factor," created by former "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, debuts 8-10 p.m. EDT Sept. 21.
