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X Factor Judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid Share Their Picks for the Season

Before boot camp begins, the two soon-to-be mentors discuss the debate over Tiah, honesty in contestants and who they think will make it to the end

By Bruna Nessif Oct 05, 2011 2:00 AMTags

It was only a couple weeks ago that the highly anticipated X Factor premiered, and it's already creating quite a buzz.

As the series gears up for "boot camp," E! News was able to catch up with two of the four famous judges from the show, Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, to talk more about specific contestants that caused a debate between the panel, along with how important honesty is and who's their front-runner so far.

Our first Q was about 19-year-old Tiah Tolliver, which instantly makes Reid question whether or not we had this topic planned with Simon (we assure you, we didn't), the hopeful singer that sparked a bond with Cowell but wasn't as attention-grabbing to the other judges.

Cowell explains that the unedited debate among them took about 25 minutes, and that is was quite frustrating trying to budge Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger's votes.

Also, if you ever decide to try out for a season of X Factor, here's a tip: Show your true colors (and by that we mean to be honest, not naked).

The judges want to see your competitive side and would rather hear that you want to blow the cash prize in a strip club as opposed to "giving back to the community." Seriously.

And as for their favorites this season, well, you gotta watch the clip to find out. (Hint: Simon's isn't Tiah!)

—Reporting by Vanessa McDonald