I think I have finally put my finger one why i could never stand The Voice and X Factors setup. While I still love idol.
I think its because on idol you start with simple auditions, just you and the judges, no music, no staging, minimal drama. Just the contestant and some of their backstory. Then its hollywood which is more staged but still doesn't feel like a production. It keeps rising to the finale.
With the Voice the drama peaks during the auditions and with the X Factor (only watched British version) it stays consistent the whole time. I never feel any rising action with any of them. I much prefer a less staged/rehearsed audition process.