14 DAY TRIAL // For two years, singer Dannii Minogue has been a fixture on the judge panel of X Factor, the popular British show that aims to discover the next singing sensation and thus offer a chance to many talented people who don’t have other means of being noticed by a record company. With next year’s season, that might change as Simon Cowell is looking to have her replaced by Melanie Brown, after Minogue told him more or less directly she plans to start a family soon, the Daily Mail says.
Dannii has said in past media interviews that she often felt odd with the other X Factor judges, so this too might have played a part in her decision to not go through with yet another season. On top of that, she’s also head over heels in love and has been thinking of starting a family, which means she would need more time to herself and a short while out of the spotlight, the Mail speculates.
However, fans of the show should not worry that Minogue’s departure – granted the report is accurate – would in any way hinder production. Word in the industry has it that Simon Cowell, creator and judge on the panel as well, is already looking at possible replacements for her. For now, he’s narrowed the possibilities to two: Spice Girl Melanie Brown (Mel B, or Scary Space) and former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland. Cowell is more inclined towards the former though because she’s known for being a feisty one, it is believed.
“Simon thinks Mel would be brilliant as she is outspoken, down-to-earth and won’t hold back. There were times in the current series that he felt things were a bit boring and he is certain sparks will fly with her on board. It will be interesting to see whether she and Cheryl Cole will gel or whether it will be handbags at dawn. Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it is highly likely Dannii won’t be on the panel next year and Simon is already thinking about a replacement.” a source close to the producers of the show tells the British media, as cited by the Mail.
38-year-old Dannii is dating model Kris Smith and has often spoken out about their relationship, hinting more than once that they felt ready to start a family. If current reports are on the spot, the time for a more serious commitment has come – and it is marked by the end of this X Factor season.