Simon Gets His Gal - Paula Abdul Signs on as X Factor Judge

It’s official.

Simon Cowell got the one thing he wanted most for his X Factor show – Paula Abdul.

Deadline is reporting the deal went down last night and that taping will start today. Talk about last minute deals.

Cowell has been very vocal about his desire to have Paula on the show.

Besides Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Antonio Reid will also be judges.

Antonio (L.A.) Reid who was the CEO of Island Def Jam Records announced last month he was stepping down to join Cowell as a judge on X Factor.

L.A. Reid and Island are the backers and record label for notable platinum recording stars like Mariah Carey, Pink, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Avril Lavigne, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, and OutKast.

Related: Justin Bieber’s Record Label Sued over Royalties
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It's official! Cheryl Cole WILL be a judge on the U.S. version of X Factor

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


I'm in! Cheryl Cole is excited to be heading stateside for the U.S. version of the show where she will sit next to Simon Cowell and LA Reid on the judging panel


After months of speculation the wait is finally over it- it has been confirmed that Cheryl Cole WILL be appearing as a judge on the U.S. version of The X Factor.

In a statement released today the British singer is confirmed as a judge on the talent show - joining Simon Cowell and Antonio 'L.A.' Reid on judging panel.

Cheryl, 27, has already voiced her excitement about the new role searching for the talent America has to offer and said she is ready to battle it out against Simon on the first series of the U.S. show.


Cheryl said: 'I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor. I absolutely love it here in the U.K., and with the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special.'

She added: 'I can’t wait to get started. I just can’t decide whether I am more excited to find and nurture the talent or for the unbelievable amount of amusement and entertainment I will have watching Simon doing everything and anything he can to beat me.'

'He’s tried to beat me for three years in the U.K., and hasn’t even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this.'

Ready for battle: Cheryl can't wait to get the first series of the American version of the X Factor show underway and is looking to beat Simon Cowell as she has in the U.K. show


Simon, who has championed the Geordie singer in the U.S, said: I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show, and has been fantastic to work with.'

He added: 'She is also a complete brat! Most importantly, this girl can spot talent.'

Today's announcement ends months of speculation over whether Cheryl's Newcastle accent would prove problematic for viewers across the pond and Fox bosses have sang the Parachute singer's praises.

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company said: 'She’s an incredibly talented artist and performer, as well as a style icon, and she has that special charisma that draws in fans around the world.'

'Cheryl’s charm and chemistry with Simon have been a key part of the overwhelming success of ‘The X Factor’ in the U.K., and we can’t wait to welcome her to the U.S. on our air.'

Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said: 'As a young artist whose talent show discovery led to almost immediate stardom, Cheryl’s career exemplifies the promise of The X Factor.'


Great chemistry: Fox bosses have praised Cheryl's talent as a judge and have said America will love the way she interacts with Simon Cowell


'Her empathy and passion for identifying and nurturing undiscovered talent has made her a huge hit with British audiences, and I have no doubt America will fall in love with her beauty, her accent and her incredible chemistry with Simon Cowell.'

Cheryl has proved a skilled judge winning the U.K. version of the show twice first in 2008 with Alexandra Burke and in 2009 with Joe McElderry.

While many were worried about her lack of profile in the U.S. it has also been reported that her son Parachute will be featured on the hit musical show Glee - who have covered hit songs by Rihanna, Madonna and Britney Spears.

The confirmation about her X Factor role comes just days before auditions are held this Sunday, May 8, in specially built high-definition recording studios in Honolulu, HI; Phoenix, AZ; Nashville, TN; Anchorage, AK; Kansas City, KS; and Denver, CO

Auditions will continue in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, May 26.

The U.S. version of the X Factor is set to be the biggest and best yet with the winner scooping a recording contract worth $5 million.



source:dailymail

Ellen's First American Idol - Video

Ellen DeGeneres was a hit with both fans and contestants last night on her first official appearance on "American Idol"

Internet viewers took to the blogs after the show to lend their support to the fourth, and newest judge.

Last night was Hollywood Week where almost 200 contestants were whittled down to just twenty-four finalists. It was a perfect time to slot in Ellen.

Skeptics grew concerned last year when it was announced the DeGeneres would replace long time judge Paul Abdul. Abdul brought decades of musical experience to the show where Ellen had no formal background.

All-in-all things went well, and FOX is hoping ratings stay strong this year in light of the fact that Simon Cowell will be leaving next.

Several names have been discussed as Simon Cowell replacements - Jamie Foxx, Sirius XM Radio shock jock Howard Stern, and music executive Tommy Mottola. No replacement has been announced yet.

Watch Ellen Degeneres On "American Idol" Hollywood Week

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