Almost every single teenager I know has at least once in his or her life sat down in front of a television and watched some form of singing competition. The hilarious auditions, the dramatic eliminations, and witty jokes all make up a reality singing competition.

Up until about three years ago, there was only one show that filled that criteria: American Idol. But now, there are three shows give people the chance to live their dream of being a singer: American Idol, The Voice, and X-Factor. But which show is the one to watch? The best of the best?

First, let’s judge the judges. In every singing competition, the judges decide if a person gets through, mentors the contestants, and engage in witty banter that makes the show funny. In The Voice, the four judges are renowned singers themselves (Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green) and pick their own teams of singers. There’s a love-hate relationship between Shelton and Levine that keeps things interesting. Similar on the X-Factor, which each judge (Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears, and Demi Lovato) has their own team and witty banter passes between them, especially between Cowell and Lovato.

Every teen in America must have watched the famed show American Idol at least once. We all know the tremendous trio of Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and, of course, Simon Cowell. However, now only Jackson remains on the show, and Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban were added this season. Though they are all accomplished in the music business, but honestly it seems like a ragtag bunch thrown together just so the show would get more views.

Then there are the contestants. On X-Factor, anyone can go on if they’re 12 or older. It gives everyone a chance, no matter how old they are. Plus, X-Factor gives singing groups a chance, not just solo acts. Unlike American Idol, where you have to be between 15 and 28 in order to be on the show. It used to be 16 to 28, but not enough people were auditioning so they extended the age group by a measly year. (Which didn’t help, in my opinion)

Then there’s The Voice, in which the contestants go through a “blind audition” so the judges judge on their voice, not appearance. One issue with the show is that the past two winners have had record deals before. I’ve even seen this year’s winner, Cassadee Pope, in concert with her old band, Hey Monday. While I do believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and I was happy she won, can’t they give a chance to someone who’s never had a record deal?

The Voice and X-Factor have potential this season and are definitely worth the watch. American Idol, though, has had its run. It’s been a good show, but everything good has to end at some point. Randy Jackson, it’s time to find something else to do.