Judges Nicole Scherzinger, and Paula Abdul arrive at the X Factor auditions at Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey. Also on hand were Judge Simon Cowell and LA Reid.

Photos: Fame

It was announced this afternoon that Nicole Scherzinger has officially replaced Cheryl Cole on the judging panel for Fox’s ‘The X-Factor’. She joins Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul in the hunt for another “global superstar” or group who is ultimately up to win a $5 million dollar recording deal.

Nicole has previously joined Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. She had filled in for Cole, who was a U.K. judge, too.

Cole was originally announced as part of the show’s U.S. judging panel last month, participated in early judging rounds, then was seemingly booted off. Over the last few days, however, news emerged that she was being offered another role on the show. What went down next is the subject of some dispute, but one U.S.-based executive involved in the matter tells EW that Cole “wasn’t quite herself” during her four days of filming, potentially due to nerves or just feeling out of her environment with the new show.

Some reports made it sound like U.S. producers basically booted Cole from the show because they were unhappy with her performance. Our source says it was more consensual. “After the Chicago auditions, producers suggested she might be happier returning to the UK panel and her management clearly indicated she’d be happy to consider that,” a source told EW. “It wasn’t meant to be the case she was being fired. She was offered an alternative [to work on the UK version] for more money where they thought she might be happier.”

It’s unclear what role Cole will play, if any, on the U.S. version.

Photos (Fame): American X Factor’s new judge Nicole Scherzinger arrives at the Graham Norton Show in London, England.

Source

Cheryl Cole was dropped from the judging panel on ‘X-Factor’ and has been replaced by ‘Pussycat Dolls’ singer Nicole Scherzinger.

Sources say Cheryl was sent packing because producers thought her English accent was too thick, and would be difficult for Americans to understand. But that wasn’t the only problem.

There were other issues too — we’re told Cheryl and fellow judge Paula Abdul had a “lack of chemistry” … and Cheryl was more expendable.

Producers now want Cheryl to return to the UK version of the show — but according to sources, Cheryl’s royally pissed over how this situation was handled … and may sever ties with “X-Factor” entirely.

With Cheryl out, Steve Jones will be the only host on the show — which debuts in September — while Nicole Scherzinger fills the open seat on the judging panel.

Calls to Simon Cowell still haven’t been returned.

Source

Jessica Simpson is currently the ‘frontrunner’ to judge ‘The X Factor’.

Although buzz about which celebrities could join Simon Cowell’s new show The X Factor is already going strong, a new name has been added to the mix. Jessica Simpson is a frontrunner to become one of the judges alongside Cowell, a show insider tells PEOPLE.

“There [are] loads of conversations happening at the moment,” says the source. “No one has been offered a judging role yet as new names keep coming forward who want the role, but there are some frontrunners and it’s fair to say Jessica is one of them. She’s very keen.”

Simpson, 30, has the skills needed for this particular format, which features a $5 million recording contract as the grand prize, says the insider. Still, there are a lot of factors that go in to making the final choice.

“She knows what she is talking about [and] is talented and likable,” the source says. “But Simon’s not in a rush to decide. The judges have to mentor on The X Factor – it’s more than just turning up for a few hours a week to appear on TV.”

The judges will have to “work with contestants on music, dancers, styling,” the source continues. “It’s a lot of work.”

Photos: Fame, Source

Jessica Simpson leaves the Ritz Hotel in New York City looking fabulous in a short dress, a black waist-length jacket, and black high heels. The music sensation and actress is all smiles as she heads out to enjoy her day in the city.

In case you didn’t know, Jessica has been rumored to be a judge on Simon Cowell’s stateside version of ‘The X Factor.’

Images via Fame

The tenth season premiere of aging juggernaut “American Idol” fell 13 percent among total viewers and 18 percent in the ad-coveted demographic of 18-49-year olds, according to preliminary data from Nielsen. The much-hyped two-hour opener, featuring new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, was watched by 26.1 million viewers with a 9.7 in the demo.

Last year’s premiere — which kicked off the final year of Simon Cowell, considered by many observers to be the show’s linchpin — was watched by 29.9 million viewers and averaged an 11.8 demo rating. That was down slightly compared to the 2009 premiere, which averaged 30.4 million viewers and an 11.7 rating in the demo.

“American Idol” has been declining since the 2007 season when the premiere installment attracted a high of 37.4 million viewers with a 15.8 in the demo.

Last night’s decline is not entirely surprising given the shows age and this year’s makeover. But the premiere most likely benefited from a curiosity factor ratings boost. So the true test of “Idol’s” staying power – and Lopez and Tyler’s success as judges — will come as the season wears on.

From Billboard.com

I watched about half of the show, and I have to say – I think it’s doomed. It wasn’t that interesting at all. Without Simon Cowell, I think the show is going to bomb. I was annoyed with Steven singing along with the contestants – I was annoyed with how much Jennifer kept saying “This is so hard!” – and annoyed with Randy Jackson – just in general. I don’t think the three of them have good chemistry, and I really was very disappointed! I don’t think it’s going to survive without Simon. Did you watch it? What did you think?

There is just too much money in Hollywood, that’s all there is to it. When Britney Spears makes $64 million for not really doing much of anything, something is very wrong. I’m not surprised by most of these, but I was surprised to see Judge Judy on the list! Judge Judy and Taylor Swift made the same? Crazy!

1. Oprah Winfrey: Estimated earnings: $315 million
2. James Cameron: Estimated earnings: $210 million
3. Tyler Perry: Estimated earnings: $125 million
4. Michael Bay: Estimated earnings: $120 million
5. Tiger Woods: Estimated earnings: $105 million
6. Jerry Bruckheimer: Estimated earnings: $100 million
7. Steven Spielberg: Estimated earnings: $100 million
8. George Lucas: Estimated earnings: $95 million
9. Beyonce Knowles: Estimated earnings: $87 million
10. Dr. Phil: Estimated earnings: $80 million
11. Simon Cowell: Estimated earnings: $80 million
12. Jerry Seinfeld: Estimated earnings: $75 million
13. Britney Spears: Estimated earnings: $64 million
14. Lady Gaga: Estimated earnings: $62 million
15. Madonna: Estimated earnings: $58 million
16. Sandra Bullock: Estimated earnings: $56 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres: Estimated earnings: $55 million
18. Miley Cyrus: Estimated earnings: $48 million
19. Taylor Swift: Estimated earnings: $45 million
20. Judge Judy Sheindlin: Estimated earnings: $45 million