FOX, FremantleMedia and Syco officially confirmed Monday that Cheryl Cole has been replaced by Nicole Scherzinger on the judging panel for the American version of “The X Factor.”
The shakeup had broken to the media more than a week ago, but no announcement came from those behind “X Factor” as they tried to figure out how the move would affect contracts. A deal to move Cole back to the UK version of the show could not be reached, and reports surfaced this weekend that producers were considering bringing Cole back to the US show since she was entitled to her contracted fee, estimated at $1.5 million, regardless.
Ultimately, however, that route was not taken, and Nicole Scherzinger, originally booked as co-host, will now join Simon Cowell, Antonio “LA” Reid and Paula Abdul on the judging panel. That leaves Steve Jones as the sole host.
It is unclear if Cole will have any role beyond the audition footage she already shot (during which she will likely be treated as a “guest judge”). THR says she will still receive her fee, so it would appear she did not reject a return overture to an extent that would have nullified her contract.
While everything from her accent, to lack of chemistry with the other judges, to lack of star quality, to home-sickness is being blamed for Cole’s removal from the panel, sources say the reality is basically a mix of numerous factors. When Cowell announced his intentions to go with the UK popstar and “X Factor” judge, rather than an additional name with American popularity, a significant part of the sell was that her charm and chemistry with Cowell and company would be enough to overcome reservations and turn her into a domestic star.
Her early audition performances were simply not clicking to that extent, and so the gamble on a personality with a thick accent and a lack of familiarity on this side of the Atlantic became appearing too great.
THR says replacing Cole was ultimately a Simon Cowell decision, while other reports say FOX’s reality chief Mike Darnell was involved in the decision as well.
