When Simon Cowell first planned the US adaptation of his hit “The X Factor” reality show, he eyed relying on a two-host system, similar to the one employed when “American Idol” first rose to prominence.
The vision was for a male and female co-hosting team, and those behind “Factor” ultimately settled on Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger. But those plans were derailed when judge Cheryl Cole was dropped at the last minute, thrusting Scherzinger to the judges’ table and Jones into a solo hosting role.
There were a number of critically-panned elements associated with the show’s first season, but Jones’ hosting was undoubtedly one of the most prominent complaints. While he brought the right look and a certain charm to the table, he routinely came across as cold, dry and distant, struggling to develop the compassionate, genuine on-stage relationships that a host like Ryan Seacrest excels at creating.
Granted, some of his struggle could be blamed on the show’s production, directing and judging–in a much-derided element of his hosting effort, Jones often awkwardly instructed the judges to halt their banter in order to keep the show on time.
Jones, along with judges Scherzinger and Paula Abdul, was not brought back for season two, and Cowell is committed to replacing him with a duo of judges.
According to an Entertainment Weekly story, the show is extensively testing duos to assure they are right for the show. Cowell confirmed that producers are selecting between five finalists.
Those five have not been confirmed, but rumored candidates include Mario Lopez, Stacy Keibler, Rosci Diaz, Khloe Kardashian, Kelly Osbourne, Terrence J, Erin Andrews, Mike Catherwood, Stevie Ryan and Kat Graham.
