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 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 'LA' Reid on the 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 Cowell on the first series.


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


Cole said: 'I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor. I absolutely love it here in the UK, 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 UK, and hasn’t even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this.'



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


Cowell, 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.'

The confirmation about her X Factor role comes only days before auditions are held this Sunday, May 8, in specially-built high-definition recording studios in Honolulu, Phoenix, Nashville, Anchorage, Kansas City and Denver.

Auditions will continue in Dallas on 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

X Factor reject Katie Waissel

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Larking around: Katie Waissel and her boyfriend Leon Callanan made the most of the sunshine on Primrose Hill today


With temperatures reaching 26C in London today, it's no surprise people were flocking to local parks in their thousands to make the most of the sunshine.

And among the crowds was X Factor reject Katie Waissel, who appeared to be enjoying herself as she larked around with friends including boyfriend Leon Callanan on Primrose Hill.

Teaming her huge backcombed blonde hair with a printed T-shirt, red lipstick and a pair of tight jeans, Katie looked every inch the quintessential rock chick as she reclined on the grass with her group of pals.


Drink up! Katie seems to be enjoying her can of ready made Pimm's in the sun


But at one point Katie obviously felt her outfit needed an addition and decided to attempt to wrestle Leon's baseball cap from his head, much to her beau's disgust.

Katie and Leon started dating last November when Katie was in the middle of appearing on The X Factor.

Confirming the relationship at the time, Katie said: 'We've been friends for years. He's like a young Jimi Hendrix. He's so rock and roll.

'It's early days, but I like him. He's so handsome and has such a big heart.'


Give me your hat! Katie decides her outfit needs another addition as she tries to wrestle Leon's hat off his head

Scream! Katie's friend certainly seemed to be finding the messing around funny


Rock chick: Katie teamed her skinny jeans with a Madonna printed T-shirt


source: dailymail

Simon Cowell will NOT be returning as UK X Factor judge

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Confirmation: Simon Cowell will not return to judge the UK X Factor show


Simon Cowell will not be returning as a judge on the UK X Factor, ITV boss Peter Fincham has confirmed,
The music mogul, who was originally slated to be splitting his time between America and England so he could judge both programme, will now concentrate solely on judging the U.S. show.

However, ITV added they were talking to Cowell about 'ways in which he can have an on-screen presence' later in the series.

Fincham, ITV's Director of Television, said: 'We have been in negotiations with Simon about ways in which we can help The X Factor evolve.

'He will be an enormous presence backstage as always.'


'Enormous presence': Cowell will continue to have a part in the show, albeit backstage instead of on the panel


The Mail revealed earlier this month that Cowell was struggling to split his priorities between the two programmes and had decided that a balancing act between the two shows was 'just not feasible'.


source: dailymail

'My schedule didn't allow it': Rihanna reveals she turned down X Factor USA role as thousands brave rain to audition

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Superstar: Rihanna has revealed she turned down the chance to be a judge on The X Factor USA


Rihanna revealed she was asked to be a judge on American X Factor but had to say no because of her gruelling tour schedule.

The Barbados-born star confirmed that the show's boss Simon Cowell had offered her a judging gig but because of not being available for the rest of the year she was forced to turn it down - even though she would have 'loved' to do it.

Rihanna, 23, told an American radio show: 'I just heard about it actually and yes, it's something I would have loved to do but our schedule doesn't allow it.


Rain: The weather was wet in Newark but it didn't dampen spirits as fans auditioned for the talent contest today


'We're going to be on tour for the rest of the year.

'It is a demanding schedule to be in that show and you have to be around for a long time, months at a time - which would've been impossible for me.'

With Cheryl Cole, 27 , confirmed to be joining Cowell and L.A Reid in the judging panel, the fourth is still shrouded in mystery.

But the cavalcade of excited wannabe contestants at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey today, couldn't have cared less about who will end up in charge of their fate.


Harmony: Cadillac belt out tunes in the queue


Smiling: Celeste Belletti from the Bronx used a gym ball as both seat and banner


Lucky: Lakeise Wilson from Brooklyn shows his wristband to his friend Tenista Person


source: dailymail