14 DAY TRIAL // She’s long been rumored to make the move from the UK to the US thanks to Simon Cowell’s US version of X Factor and now it’s all coming true for Cheryl Cole. Producer LA Reid has confirmed that the singer will be on the panel of judges when the show premieres this fall.
With auditions for the much-hyped new show set to start in a few weeks, Simon Cowell seems to be taking his time in announcing the name of the judges who will join him on the panel.
As of now, the only confirmed names are that of Cowell and music producer LA Reid, with the latter letting it slip in a recent interview cited by The Sun that Cole will be next to join them.
“We’re gonna compete against American Idol just fine. I’m very confident. But along with Simon Cowell and Cheryl, I don’t know who the other judge is,” LA Reid is cited as saying.
If true, this would come to put an end to rumors that Cheryl, initially considered for the job, was pushed aside because producers believed her thick accent would make it very hard for audiences to warm up to her – or even understand what she’s saying.
With three spots already occupied, there still is one judge position and that of host to fill.
“Potential celebrities tipped for the coveted fourth judging spot include Nicole Scherzinger, who did a guest stint on the UK show last year, Nicki Minaj, Paula Abdul and Mariah Carey,” The Sun says.
Jessica Simpson has confirmed she’s been approached with an offer, as also did rapper Snoop Dogg. While Jessica said she’d love to be on the show but said nothing had been determined, Snoop revealed he turned the offer down, settling to appear just as mentor once the show kicks off.
“Enrique Iglesias has been rumoured to be in the running to present the show after UK host Dermot O’Leary admitted he had missed out on the job,” The Sun says.