Simon Cowell Fires Paula Abdul, Nicole Sherzinger and Steve Jones From US XFactor!

LA Reid is the only one safe!

He loves controversy but this is just going overboard! Simon Cowell has officially fired two of his judges and the main host of the US X Factor after the music mogul was unhappy with the ratings.

At least Cheryl Cole can rest easy knowing that she wasn't a victim of a personal attack, her replacement Nicole Sherzinger was the first to be dropped from the reality show today. Boss Simon released an official statement today saying that Steve Jones had been fired as host, and that Paula Abdul and Nicole would not be returning:

Simon wrote: "I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of The X Factor last year. We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars. You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future. I'm sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next, but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year."

Cheryl was the first to face Simon's wrath when Nicole replaced her

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole then confirmed the news on her Twitter page writing:

"I wanted to let you know directly from me that it's true I won't be returning to The X Factor. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead and making great music and more! I'm grateful for the love you always give me."

Next up close pal of Simon and former American Idol judge Paula told her fans that she was still supporting the show and remains close to Simon despite being let go:

"Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to The X Factor next season. I've learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions oftentimes override personal considerations. Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation. Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I've treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful."

Who do you think will judge the show next year? I think Simon will try and convince Mariah Carey again, personally I would love to see Britney on that judging panel.

Simon Cowell Fires Paula Abdul, Nicole Sherzinger and Steve Jones From US XFactor!

LA Reid is the only one safe!

He loves controversy but this is just going overboard! Simon Cowell has officially fired two of his judges and the main host of the US X Factor after the music mogul was unhappy with the ratings.

At least Cheryl Cole can rest easy knowing that she wasn't a victim of a personal attack, her replacement Nicole Sherzinger was the first to be dropped from the reality show today. Boss Simon released an official statement today saying that Steve Jones had been fired as host, and that Paula Abdul and Nicole would not be returning:

Simon wrote: "I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of The X Factor last year. We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars. You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future. I'm sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next, but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year."

Cheryl was the first to face Simon's wrath when Nicole replaced her

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole then confirmed the news on her Twitter page writing:

"I wanted to let you know directly from me that it's true I won't be returning to The X Factor. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead and making great music and more! I'm grateful for the love you always give me."

Next up close pal of Simon and former American Idol judge Paula told her fans that she was still supporting the show and remains close to Simon despite being let go: 

"Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to The X Factor next season. I've learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions oftentimes override personal considerations. Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation. Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I've treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful."

Who do you think will judge the show next year? I think Simon will try and convince Mariah Carey again, personally I would love to see Britney on that judging panel.

Rebecca Ferguson and Zayn Malik Split Up!

Splitsville!

This is a real shocker!

Despite claiming they were deeply "in love" former X Factor contestants Rebecca Ferguson and Zayn Malik have called it quits.

Last year's runner up Rebecca announced the split on Twitter but quickly deleted the message: "I'm happy to say ive decided to be single my children my family and my career are now my world!!"

Just last month Rebecca, who has two children with her ex-boyfriend Karl Dures, gushed about her love for the 18-year-old One Direction singer:

"Sometimes when the right person comes along, you just drop your guard. He's a very sweet person with a very kind heart. I didn't even know Zayn liked me but apparently he had done for a very long time, but nobody told me. I was the last person to find out."

But the songstress knew people were against the realtionship, inlcudinh hundreds of One Direction fans:

"We're really in love and it's hard to see how negative things have become. I want people to know that I'm happy, he's happy and we're in a loving, caring relationship. It's sad that people are so against it."

Check Out The First Trailer For X Factor USA

Simon Cowell is officially back in action and has definitely overshadowed the Cheryl Cole scandal.

Watch the debut teaser trailer for the X Factor USA, it is exactly what I expected:

Cheryl Cole Releases Statement On Personal Website

For the first time in weeks Cheryl Cole has finally broken her silence.

After being dropped from the US X Factor and refusing to re-join the UK version, Cheryl has been in hiding, but today the Geordie has posted a message on her website (cherylcole.com) to all her fans.

The head 'A Message From Cheryl To Her Soldiers' appears on the front page of the singers site. In the statement Cheryl tells fans that she is "ok" and there is nothing to worry about. Here is the full statement:

"Hi my Gorgeous ones.

It's me! I wanted to talk to you all direct, and first and foremost thank you all for your continued love, unbelievable LOYALTY and support and remind you that I love you all to bits.

Where do i start? I have had the weirdest past few weeks (nothing unusual there though.) I wouldn't even know how to begin to tell you all about it. What I do know for certain is that I have the BEST, most unbelievable people out there, who I feel so lucky to call my support system. You never fail to amaze me.

I have been reading your letters and opening my prezzies ( I feel very spoilt ) and hearing all of your kind, special and inspiring things you want to say to me. I feel your presence and strength always, and no matter what decision I make or what it is I'm facing, I appreciate you all more than you'll ever know.

It also breaks my heart a little when i hear that some of you worry about me and need to know that I am ok, so I want to PROMISE you that I am absolutely fine and more than ok!

I have had the time that I have not had in so long to just chill with my loved ones and do the normal things that I like to do. See my friends and family and be with my doggys :D. It feels long overdue and sooooo good, even my feet are happy to not have to wear a pair of high heels hehe..

You are my little soldiers and you mean the world to me. Remember what I tell you, stay strong, keep calm and carry on ;) I'll speak to you all soon when I have some new news, until then I salute you :)

Lots of love and cuddles. Love me CC x"

Well, as usual, she didn't confirm anything or explain her decisions. With rumours that she's back with ex-hubby Ashley and that BBC are hounding her to judge the new show 'The Voice', you think she would confirm something.

BORING!

Simon Cowell Says Cheryl Cole Seemed "Uncomfortable" In US

Simon Cowell has finally broken his silence on the whole Cheryl Cole scandal.

For the first time, the music mogul has revealed what really happened on the US X Factor. In an interview Simon said Cheryl wasn't herself on the new judging panel:

"Knowing Cheryl like I know her, we noticed she was quieter than normal, looked a bit uncomfortable but I put some of this down to nerves. The overall feeling was that she was slightly out her comfort zone in America, compared to what she was in the UK."

Simon went on to admit that once he saw Cheryl wasn't being herself he offered her a larger sum of money to return to the UK X Factor but she rejected this offer:

“If she had accepted my original offer, she would have made a sensational return and would have understood she was more comfortable in the UK than the US.”

However,once the sacking scandal broke, Cheryl's team apparently refused to speak with Cowell's people. She was then given a deadline to respond of six days but didn't, so they announced their UK judges.

Then you'll remember a few days ago FOX bosses offered Cheryl her job back - giving her 24 hours to decide. This move didn't go down so well, with her US manager Will.i.a.m claiming the offer wasn't genuine.

FOX finally announced Nicole as the new judge.

FOX bosses really thought Cheryl would accept the offer, but when they heard nothing back at all they announced Nicole Scherzinger as her replacement.

In his interview Simon revealed that there were problems from the very begining as he had to tell her to "contribute more" at the LA auditions.

He goes on to say that by the Chicago audition on May 19, he realised things weren't working out and she had to go - with bosses sacking her on May 25 before the show even hit TV screens.

Cheryl's auditions wll still be shown on the FOX network, no word yet on how they will axe her and replace her with Nicole on the show.

Fox Announce Nicole Scherzinger As New X Factor Judge!

Finally this whole ordeal has been settled!

Despite reports that Cheryl Cole had been offered to return to the US X Factor, bosses at FOX have named Nicole Scherzinger as the new judge.

Apparently Cheryl was offered her job back by Simon Cowell but she refused, and has instead been released from her contract and been paid the full amount she was supposed to make, £1.2 million.

In a statement, FOX wrote:

"Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of The X Factor. Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5 million dollar recording deal."

Fox also mentioned the fact that Nicole has already worked on the show as a guest judge while in the UK:

"Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of The X Factor."

They were one big happy family just a few weeks ago.

Despite all the rumours of Cheryl's return I knew this was going to happen, Nicole's appearance on the Britain's Got Talent final was no coincidence.

Meanwhile I don't think Cheryl will be too happy with the replacement. Even when Nicole appeared on the UK X Factor last year, reports said that Cheryl hated the former Pussycat Doll.

As well as apparently slamming Nicole for her singing skills, the songstress also was rumoured to be dating Cheryl's boyfriend Derek Hough, when they won Dancing With The Stars last year.

But Nicole dismissed the rumours this week, saying:

"There was a rumour of a feud between me and Cheryl, which is totally untrue. I also think you have to remember that The X Factor isn't about the judges; it's about those people out there with their dreams, and to be part of their journey makes me feel very humble."

EXCLUSIVE: Cheryl Cole Back On The US X Factor!!

Got cha!!

It looks like it was just a publicity stunt all along.

The News of the World are reporting today that Cheryl Cole is going back to the US to revise her role as judge. Despite being axed from the biggest gig in showbiz, sources say that Simon has done a U-Turn and decided to bring her back to the states.

According to showbiz editor Dan Wooton, the singer will be taking part in the next round of auditions, in New Jersey this Wednesday.

Apparently Simon decided to stand up for the Geordie, and has persuaded FOX bosses that she is the perfect woman for the job. An insider told the paper that Simon has been on Cheryl's side this whole time:

 "This is the biggest surprise of the lot - Cheryl is back. Who could possibly have predicted this - it appeared that Simon had dumped Cheryl for good? But behind the scenes Simon has been wooing Cheryl. And key executives at Fox all realised they had made a big mistake. They have been watching the tapes of her at the American auditions and realising that she could be a huge star over there."

Nicole has NEVER confirmed her 'new judging role'.

Last night a source inside the Cowell camp said:

"We have offered Cheryl a second chance and she might still come back to US X Factor. Fox have been re-examining the situation and have had a change of heart. After the debacle with the UK judging panel we have started negotiating with Cheryl’s camp and the ball is now in her court."

The one thing we all have to remember here is that this story of Cheryl being fired from the X Factor has NEVER been confirmed by ANYONE. It was also never confirmed that Nicole Sherzinger would be taking her spot.

In my opinion this entire scenario has been one big publicity stunt, and hats off to Simon Cowell, because it has definitely worked.

Cheryl Cole To Be Paid To Keep Her Mouth Shut?

What is it with gagging orders these days!

Cheryl Cole has reportedly been offered a £1.2million deal if she keeps mum about her axe from The US X Factor.

If the singer accepts the deal she woud then be paid her entire fee for the talent series, but for just four days! Meaning that she got paid around £25,000 per hour.

But in return the singer must not speak negatively about the show or Simon Cowell in the press. Sources close to the show said today that Cheryl may take the deal:

"Cheryl is going to be paid off if things go to plan. The last thing we need is someone with an axe to grind saying bad things about the show before it even starts. We hope a simple statement can be released next week and that will be the end of it. It's is an incredible amount of money for four days' work, but this is a multi-million dollar show with so much invested, it will be worth it. If she takes the money she is effectively agreeing to a gag."

I think she should take the deal! Cheryl's audition tapes will also be aired on FOX, so I see it as a win, win situation really. That's an awful lot of money!

Fashion Fix - Kelly Rowland (v) Tulisa Contostavlos

Let the fashion stand off begin!

Yes, last year it was Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue going head to head for top fashionista, and this year Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos will have to battle it out.

Kelly (30) and Tulisa (22) showed off their slim physique at a Birmingham hotel today, for the first round of the X Factor auditions.

Clearly Kelly has won this round, I'm loving this yellow cropped top and the black skirt, sqwit soo! Tulisa will need to heighten the stakes!

Photo via DailyMail.co.uk

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack To Present Xtra Factor

So the full line up has finally been revealed!

2009 X Factor runner up Olly Murs has been announced as the new co-judge of the Xtra Factor, alongside Get Me Out Of Her Now presenter Caroline Flack.

The duo were announced as the new presenters last night, replicating the same format as the US X Factor, with a co-presenting gig.

Last year's presenter Konnie Huq was dumped by the show as producers said the viewers didn't take to the former Blue Peter presenter well.

Konnie got the boot!

Meanwhile the judging panel has been revealed Kelly Rowland, Tulisa from N-Dubz, Gary Barlow and lovely Louis Walsh will be taking their seats very soon to judge the young talents out there.

Kim Kardashian Says She "Loves" Cheryl Cole

Well this should give the Geordie a bit of a lift.

Despite being dropped by the US X Factor for having an accent that is "too thick" and a "lack of chemistry" with Paula Abdul, reality star Kim Kardashian has said she's said the singer won't be on the judging panel.

The E! star is one of the most succesful socialites in the US and knows everything there is to know about reality TV shows. She told fans on Twitter today that she wishes Cheryl could have stayed:

"I love Cheryl Cole! Kinda devastated she won't be on X-Factor anymore!"

Do you think that will cheer up poor Cheryl?

Cheryl Cole "Shocked" And Headed Back To UK Tomorrow

Cheryl's US dreams have been crushed

Has her American dream already come to a tragic end?

I reprted last night that Cheryl Cole had been dropped but the US X Factor in favour of co-host Nicole Sherzinger, as audiences struggled to understand her thick Geordie accent.

Now a source tells The Sun newspaper that the 27-year-old star had no idea she was getting dumped by Fox producers: "She never saw it coming" an insider has claimed.

But sources close to Simon Cowell have suggested that Cheryl was fully aware her performance wasn't up to scratch on the show. Saying that TV executives were "concerned about her performance".

"Cheryl can hardly say this was a total shock. She actually knew about it three days ago. Simon told her in person at his house that it wasn't working and that he was under so much pressure to release her. She knows she has been nervous in her performances and TV execs were privately concerned."

Now it looks like the 'Promise This' singer is leaving L.A completely to return embarrassingly to the UK. Although Cheryl had begun to launch a music career in the states, with Will.I.Am as her manager, sources say she is moving straight back to London.

Cheryl looked happy in front of US press

Why would she do that you ask? Well apparently the former Girls Aloud star has been offered double to take back her position on the UK version of the X Factor, meaning N Dubz star Tulisa is out, and Cheryl and Kelly Rowland are in.

And she won't just be a simple judge, no, according to her mother, she will be Simon's replacement, making her the head judge. Apparently her mother told friends:

"Cheryl has been paid off to come back to the UK to sort out the show. Simon told her Tulisa just wasn't strong enough. The deal is she will be seen as the head judge, even above Gary Barlow."

People are already starting to spread rumours that Simon wanted Nicole Sherzinger as judge all along, and that bringing on Cheryl on board only to drop her was a big publicity stunt for the show. If  that is true at least it still got the Geordie singer in the headlines!

Meanwhile, Will.I.Am, has already organized Cheryl to duet with the likes of Rihanna and Usher, but who knows if any of that will go ahead now...

Fashion Fix - Cheryl Cole (v) Paula Abdul

Let the fashion face off begin!

Yes, it may have been Dannii Minogue versus Cheryl Cole last year, but 2011 will see Paula Abdul stand off with the Geordie as they compete with their style.

Today marked the first day Cheryl has come on top. After her dreadful multi-coloured outfit on her first day and a boring red dress on her second, she is finally standing out for all the right reasons.

Cheryl showed off a seriously cute 50's styled poka-dot dress with little dotted heels (too cute). Meanwhile Paula looked dreadful in a tight leopard skin skirt paired with a navy flower top... someone please fire her stylist!!

Poka-dots are really back in now girls, so get shopping or dig out that old dotted dress you wanted to hide!

Photos via DailyMail.co.uk

Kelly Rowland Is New UK X Factor Judge

I totally called this one!

Now that Dannii Minogue has officially left the show, there are two female positions to be filled and former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland is the first lady to be recruited.

The songstress said that although she's not sure what type of judge she is going to be, she's really excited:

"The X Factor is an amazing show. I love Simon because he's so honest. Everything he says I agree with. I don't know what kind of judge I'll be."

Kelly will be joining Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow, and according to reports Tulisa Constavolos from N-Dubz has signed a contract as well, she seems an odd choice though.

Cheryl Cole Offered Movie Roles

Could her life get any better right now, seriousl?

According to reports US X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has been approached by several film studios to star in upcoming flicks.

The Geordie was spotted spending time at the Cannes Film Festival, and got talking to some top producers and directors at the star-studded event.

A source said that people in the movie business are completely taken by the singer:

"It has been amazing to see the reception Cheryl has had after going to Cannes. As soon as she got back to America, people from California were getting in touch about having her in their films. When she went to the festival last year there was a lot of interest from the media but nothing like this kind of attention from movie companies. It just shows how quickly her profile has rocketed now she is on the US X Factor."

The insider added that Cherly is definitely up for moving into Hollywood but she needs to get through the X Factor first:

"At the moment it's just about sorting out when she can actually fit in any filming because her schedule is full until Christmas. She's very keen though."

Angelina Jolie apparently called Cheryl "very beautiful" and told fans that she is "causing a stir".

Wow what a compliment!

Paula Abdul Tells The World Cheryl Cole Is "Lovely"

Best Pals All Of A Sudden?

It looks like this Geordie WAG has come an awful long way!

Cheryl Cole has reached her dream and is about to break America, not just as an X Factor judge but as a singer too, as apparently Jay-Z will be signing her to his record label Roc Nation.

But what do the fellow celebs think of her? Well her fellow X Factor judge Paula Abdul has said she loves the big-haired woman! Tweeting the above picture Paula wrote:

"Gotta tell you about Cheryl- 'The Fierce' is STRONG w/ this one! :) she's lovely! xoP"

I bet Cheryl is happy to get that seal of approval. But no doubt there will be stories printed soon about their 'rivarly'. Let the drama begin!

Fashion Fix - Cheryl Cole

OMG what was she thinking?

After landing the most wanted showbiz job in the world, Cheryl Cole showed up way to colourful with way too much hair at yesterday's debut auditions.

The big-haired beauty wore an orange ruffle top, a luminous turquoise belt and high waisted, bright purple flares!

I honestly don't know who styled her, but she looks like she just came from the 80's. Not good Cheryl, try again!

PS!!

Nicole Sherzinger, Steve Jones, Paula Abdul, LA Reid and of course Simon Cowell showed their faces on the red carpet as well, but they looked normal!

Photo via Dailymail.co.uk

Rebecca Ferguson Says She And Zain Malik Are "In Love"!

Wow, I can't believe she has actually confirmed the romance!

X Factor runner up Rebecca Ferguson has confessed that she and Zain Malik are "really in love" and that she's sad to hear so much negativity from his One Direction fans.

The two singers apparently fell for eachother during the X Factor Live Tour, and despite the six year age-gap, the Liverpool songstress told the News Of The World that they are madly in love:

"We're really in love and it's hard to see how negative things have become. I want people to know that I'm happy, he's happy and we're in a loving, caring relationship. It's sad that people are so against it."

The mother-of-two added that despite people thinking she is using Zain for fame, she actually has her own career:

"I just spoke to Zain and that's how he feels too. He's actually very mature. He's quiet and really, really nice. I've got a career, I've got my own record deal and money, and I've got my own life. I'm not gaining anything from this. It's genuine love."

Rebecca with her two young children

Rebecca admitted that she did stay away from 18-year-old at first because she thought he was too young to date:

"I'm going to be really honest... he was after me for months. I was like: 'No, you're too young'. But he really wooed me and it was a long, long struggle before anything happened. I have no idea why I'm getting the hard time. I think it's really sexist. Because I'm a woman with children I'm not allowed to be happy?"

Rebecca has two children with a former partner, Lily aged five, and Karl aged four. No word yet on if Zain has met the chidren yet, but I'm guessing it will be hard to be a step-father at 18.

But they do sound very much in love, and with both of them having record deals they seem to be living the life right now and I wish them all the best!

Jay-Z Wants To Sign Cheryl Cole To Roc Nation!

Is she really that good?

It seems like everything is starting to look up for Britain's Sweetheart Cheryl Cole. After bagging the most wanted position in showbiz yesterday, a judge on the US X Factor, it's now being reported that rapper Jay-Z is eager to sign her to his music label.

Jay-Z has already signed teen sensation Alexis Jordan, The Ting Tings and Willow Smith is apparently keen to sign the Geordie singer. As well as helping out wife Beyonce on her albums he also helped launch Rihanna's career!!!

A source has said Jay-Z will be asking her to join his label soon:

"Jay-Z has been keen to sign Cheryl for some time now. He has been in talks with her UK management to bring her to Roc Nation and Cheryl herself is keen to sign with him as she is a big, big fan of him and Beyoncé. She knows signing to Roc Nation would guarantee her massive success."

Obviously she would be insane to turn this offer down, but am I the only one who thinks she's honestly not that talented?? Sure she's gorgeous and can dance her ass off but she's terrible in interviews, came across as bitchy on the UK X Factor and to be honest, she can't really sing!