X Factor USA: ‘Simon Cowells lines Cheryl Cole up as judge and Nicole Scherzinger as host’

By
Sarah Fitzmaurice
Last updated at 1:11 PM on 22nd March 2011

TV executives were said to have ruled her out from the line-up of the U.S. version of the X Factor over concerns regarding her strong Geordie accent and lack of profile in America.

But today today reports have emerged that Cheryl Cole WILL be taking a seat next to Simon Cowell after the music mogul is said to have convinced FOX TV bosses about the former Girls Aloud singer.

Pulling stings: Simon Cowell has persuaded TV executives to include Cheryl Cole as a judge on the U.S. version of the show

‘On the judging front things are changing almost daily but Simon has put his neck on the line to sell Cheryl to network bosses,’ a source told The Daily Mirror.

‘After being stonewalled initially Simon believes he has convinced them to sign off her deal.’

Nicole Scherzinger, who was a
hot favourite for the judging role, is also tipped for a major role in the highly anticipated show – as
the host.

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole was said to be lined up for a judging role on the U.K. version of the show, after impressing as a temporary judge when Cheryl was off ill with malaria last year.

New host: Nicole Scherzinger is tipped to host the American version of the show

But the Poison singer is said to be joining the Stateside version of the show after Simon, 51, negotiated a deal with her record label to allow her to appear on the show.

‘Nicole’s had screen tests and is a natural in front of the camera. Autocue does not faze her at all,’ a source told the paper.

They added: ‘As an established singer, both as a solo artist and in a group, Nicole will be great with the contestants and she knows what she is talking about.’

New recruit: Antonio ‘LA’ Reid, pictured here with Rihanna in 2009, is said to be joining the American X Factor panel

While nothing has been formally signed by the girls it has been confirmed that music producer Anotonia ‘L.A.’ Reid will make up part of the judging panel.

In a statement released last week Simon Cowell said that the 54-year-old was his ‘number one choice’ for the role.

The 54-year-old has had an impressive career in the music industry and has helped to launch the careers of Mariah Carey, Pink, Rihanna, Kayne West and Justin Bieber.

While Reid was confirmed as a judge, rapper Nicki Minaj was also said to be being considered for a judging role on the show.

Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul have all thought to have been considered as a judge of the U.S. version of the show.

A spokesperson for Simon Cowell was unavailable for comment this morning.

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