Regarding the news that UK personality Steve Jones has surprisingly been confirmed as Nicole Scherzinger’s co-host on “The X Factor, Deadline says the decision can be attributed to the Pussycat Dolls lead singer.
Simon Cowell had initially wanted “High School Musical” alumnus Corbin Bleu to co-host with Scherzinger, his true top choice, but Bleu did not meet the approval of Scherzinger. According to the Deadline report, “Nicole walked in and saw Corbin and his baby face and asked, ‘What are you, 15?’ And then she walked out.”
Regardless of whether or not that story is true, what appears definite is that insiders insist Steve Jones, the final choice, has far more chemistry with Scherzinger.
On the subject of Paula Abdul, the much-rumored, much-desired selection for the show’s fourth and final judge, Deadline sources add that the produces want Abdul to show up for Sunday’s first taping regardless of whether a final deal is in place. Negotiations with Abdul, as first reported by THR, hit some unexpected snags ahead of the taping, but multiple sources, including the Associated Press, have noted that Abdul was ultimately still scheduled to make the first show.
Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Antonio “LA” Reid are the other three judges.