Deadline’s Nikki Finke revealed last month in its exclusive interview with The X Factor mastermind Simon Cowell that he was adding UK pop singer Cheryl Cole to his judges’ panel on the Fox singing competition which premieres in the fall. The network made it official in an announcement this morning. Cole is a judge on his British version of the show but unknown to American audiences. Cowell recently told Nikki that he wants to team up again with Paula Abdul to round out the 4-member judge’s panel, but her contract isn’t done yet:

British pop superstar Cheryl Cole will join Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX. Cole, who has sat alongside Cowell as a judge on the U.K. version of “The X Factor” for three years, is a multi-platinum selling solo artist and a member of Girls Aloud, one of the U.K.’s most successful female vocal groups of all time. Cole will join Cowell, Reid and an additional judge (to be announced) as they travel to THE X FACTOR audition cities searching for the next global superstar or breakout music group.

“I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show, and has been fantastic to work with,” said Cowell. “She is also a complete brat! Most importantly, this girl can spot talent.

“I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of THE X FACTOR. I absolutely love it here in the U.K., and with the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special. I can’t wait to get started,” said Cole. “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 U.K., and hasn’t even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this.”

“Cheryl Cole has the whole THE X FACTOR package: She’s an incredibly talented artist and performer, as well as a style icon, and she has that special charisma that draws in fans around the world,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Cheryl’s charm and chemistry with Simon have been a key part of the overwhelming success of ‘The X Factor’ in the U.K., and we can’t wait to welcome her to the U.S. on our air.”