“The X Factor” made waves ahead of its second season by dropping its original host and replacing two of the original judges, so who could have expected that show to move towards calamity?
As season two winds down and the show moves towards a confirmed third season at FOX, news broke that Antonio “LA” Reid, who like Simon Cowell was the only original cast member to stay on board this year, will be leaving.
According to Deadline, Reid personally made the decision to return to the music business. He notoriously left a high-powered music role–the chief executive officer and chairman of Island Def Jam Records to be specific–to pursue the gig on “The X Factor.”
While the media’s criticism of the show’s quality has softened this season, ratings remain below expectations and are actually down this season despite the high-profile introduction of Britney Spears as a judge. FOX, nonetheless, is committed to a future with the steady, albeit underwhelming performer.