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BREAKING… EXCLUSIVE: Today at The X Factor there was a bloodbath which just claimed its biggest name. Not only are host Steve Jones and judge Nicole Scherzinger exiting from the Fox show, but now a Simon Cowell insider just told me that his longtime friend and American Idol colleague Paula Abdul won’t be returning as an X Factor judge next season. I understand from sources that none of the three left on their own accord and that it was cleaning house day at the so-so rated reality series. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s any backlash against Simon because of Paula’s popularity.
Last April I revealed exclusively that Cowell, in addition to himself and ”L.A.” Reid, had made up his mind to bring back Paula beside him for X Factor‘s premiere season. 
“I missed her the second she left (Idol),” Cowell told me at the time. “Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her.” It took several months for her contract to be pinned down as she famously held out for more money, only closing her deal hours before the first televised audition. But Abdul added star power to the judging panel as she was the most famous person on the show behind only Cowell.
Earlier tonight, Fox confirmed the departures of both Scherzinger as a judge and Jones as host. The two, originally paired as co-hosts, had been considered the weakest links and likely casualties going into Season 2 after receiving mostly negative reviews for their performances last season. But my news that Abdul is out as well comes as a surprise given her long history with Cowell. With Abdul, Scherzinger and Jones gone, Cowell and L.A. Reid remain the only X Factor personalities from Season 1 to make it to Season 2. Cowell hinted at a major shakeup on the show last month when he was quoted as saying “We change these shows all the time.” Especially after The X Factor failed to live up to Cowell’s own expectations. He famously predicted an average audience of 20 million for the series’ first season. But in actuality, it drew 12.4 million. This are not the first cast changes on The X Factor. Original judge Cheryl Cole was let go after one taping, replaced by Scherzinger. Later on, Scherzinger and Abdul became embroiled in the controversy surrounding the shocking elimination of frontrunner Rachel Crow.
Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.
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I HOPE THE TV SERIES DOESN’T RETURN!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Horrible show!
Simon make a fool out of himself! The person to b fired should b him! He is obstinate, make all the wrong decisions …the winner is actually the person he sent out? How to rely on him for such bad judgement? Bad taste?
Paula Abdul is well Loved by millions for her talent,empathy,sensitivity,honest,pure love for the contestants as a judge.Firing her is a BIG, HUGE,Ill-advised mistake to X-Factor future rating in America.Simon Cowell made more mistakes in his judgement and Choices on X-Factor.Paula was good for him and the show.In spite of his Big Ego
This idea that in order for a show or movie to be a success in America a British Star/or personality should be in charge is a disrespect of our America culture and talent that is in our country.
but he said he made a mistake and he fixed that mistake !!
The BEST move Simon Cowell could make to improve his show is to get rid of L.A. Reid. Reid is worthless when it comes to REAL talent. He is stuck about 15 years back in what is happening at the present, so showing L.A. Reid the door would be a HUGE improvement.
I actually enjoyed the show. Nicole and Paula needed to go. Steve was actually pretty cool…and I hoped that he would stay. I think that the next season will be bigger and better than the first.
Actually, I wouldn’t mind seeing Paula back. She was actually pretty fun to watch…if it wasn’t for Nicole. That lady cannot judge TALENT. She has a particular type of music that she likes and judges everything accordingly.
Now that Nicole is gone, Paula might actually go back to being herself…her so-funny-you-think-she’s-drunk self.
I wonder who will host now that Steve Jones is gone? Ryan Seacrest might be available!
I hated Nicole on the show. I always fast forwwrded through anything she had to say. I do think Paula would be great on there without Nicole. for some reason, Paula always followed the lead of Nicole, evben though Paula has so much more experience and thoughtful commentary. I will miss her on X-Factor! As for people that said they hated X-Factor, why did you even make a comment on the show? It was much better than Idol with regards to production value. As for the winner, Melanie Amaro beat out almost every Idol winner that I have ever seen in regards to talent. Her last performance was absolutely amazing! I have seen few artists that have “left it all on the floor” like she did. Usually, I am commenting on the performances as they are singing but that last performance by Melanie shut me up! I was spellbound. I do like all the talent shows. I watch Idol and The Voice as well. They all bring something different to the table. I hope Simon Cowell chooses well for the show’s new coaches. I will be watching.
Thank god I wasn’t the only one tuned off to this lacklustre X Factor series by the three casualties who are now getting the push, not to mention shove.
Steve Jones was positively ‘Horrible’ with a capital ‘H.’ He brings new meaning to the word ‘STIFF’ and that’s from the waist up – so not a good thing. And Nicole should indeed stick to her day job. Great singer/dancer, you can’t take that away from the lass, but so sickly sweet, nicey, nicey that it makes you wish you had never laid eyes on that waffles and syrup for breakfast. Paula Abdul, get her judging a dancing or choreography competition for god sake, after all, that’s her real forte, as she is another one who doesn’t like calling a spade a spade.
Perhaps Kelly Clarkson would make a good judge? I seriously hope that they don’t pick some arrogant diva (like Beyonce). Cheryl Cole was pretty cool, so maybe she would make a return?
I am so with you about Cheryl Cole. I watched the UK version and she was my favorite judge. Nicole’s only contribution was running around semi-naked and feeling threatened by other women.
Cheryl also refused to vote and ran around semi naked. Usually she was dribbling all over Simon during the show – sic. And who is Cheryl Cole to judge anyone when she cannot sing live herself? She is known as the singer that cannot sing. Simon made her popular. Simon could make me or you great with his ties, it is just a shame he didn’t do that with Nadine Coyle (a member of Cheryl’s now passed it girl band) who can actually sing.
What a GREAT IDEA!
I hope Simon thinks of this.
Kelly Clarkson has the personality to do this, and that is best illustrated in the video of her audition for American Idol.
Clarkson has an abundence of what Simon used to refer to as that unknown “Star” quality (became known as the “X” Factor).
We don’t see enough of Kelly Clarkson. She has plenty of talent that has not yet been expressed. It appears she is being held back because of her disagreements with the biggest men in the recording industry.
Simon Cowell could fix this and get himself a diamond in the rough as far as judges go. I hope for his sake and for Kelly Clarkson’s he thinks of this. Once he tries her out she’ll be IN FOREVER!
Kelly Clarkson is an excellent suggestion!!!
Please fire LA Reid next.
Amen.
UK version of X factor is actually very entertaining. How do you replicate that?
I soooo agree with you. LA Reid did nothing but vote to get Simon’s contestants knocked off. His arrogance made me sick. Between him and Nicole, a lot of talent went home way before they should have. I hope they change their mind about Paula. She is fun to watch…
For sure! What an arrogant piece he is.
All L.A. Reid does is protect the fellow black guys on the show. It’s so obvious, it’s ridiculous.
Like Astro would’ve won? As if.
I agree. They fired the wrong people. They should have fired L.A. Reid.
I have to agree Reid was horrible as a judge. All he liked were black singers and rap much. He definitely needs to go
Yes, please. They should have fired him first. He is so racist.
Absolutely, FIRE L.A. Reed and keep Paula. Also, there should only be 3 judges, not 4! I agree with Steve and Nicole being gone, they were horrible….
L. A. Reid should definitely go. He is a bigot and a bore.
Steve was, by far, the weakest link on the show. It was like watching a stick moving around out there on the stage. He has the personality of a gnat.
This season was more about the judges that the contestants. How many times did we see the judges judging and critiquing each other, instead of the contestant. It was annoying…
I agree- I the girls had to go. I was hoping Steve would stick around too- I think he would have been fine. Looking forward to the panel makeover!
Steve was the weekest link of that entire program. We hated everything this guy did as a host. Absolutely no sense of style or grace for the stage, his agressiveness was in stark contrast to any host out there. Glad to see this islander off the show and hope to never see him hosting anything again.
I can understand the other two — but paula as well — that is just insane and annoying — did Simon not notice the ratings decline that occurred when paula did not return to Idol in his final year? I really hope Paula fans can rally to get her back — because that truly is one of the reasons to watch the x factor — I am simply outraged.
I agree totally…Simon are you insane…Paula is better than you and L.A. Reed together…don’t even think about it~!!!!
I have always liked Paula but towards the end of the season was so vindictive towards Simon. I know he can be incredibly nasty at times but she hurt a more talented contestant (voting for Marcus while admitting Drew had the most talent)just to get even with Simon for his belittling remarks. Thats not what good judging is about. I vowed that night I wouldn’t watch the show next year if she’s on. Hopefully others have given the same vibe as well and we’ll get someone that doesn’t play mind games.
I agree with you! Go Paula!
Don’t care what anyone says. Keep the show going. The first season was a “catch on” season. It will catch on. Bring Paula back. Big mistake letter he go. She and Simon are the backbones to the contestants. American Idol is lame in comparison.
I have GOOD NEWS for you!
If it DOES return, your remote control will allow you to CHANGE THE CHANNEL!
Enough with the “talent” shows. Bring back scripted entertainment that doesn’t include vampires or musical numbers.
The real problem is that asininely critical judges such as Simon and Piers on America’s Got Talent are no longer “in.” Stephen Tyler may be credited with helping to turn this around along with Nigel who returned as Executive Producer on American Idol. X Factor featured numerous negative bits along with negative criticism lacking empathy and respect. Piers competed with this in his own way.
The window for this is just closed. It’s not Paula or Nicole-it’s really Simon and those like him. I really don’t see X Factor making it after season two. It’s just not a likeable show.
Now X Factor’s host-he’s another matter. He was genuinely bad. He also didn’t know how to pronounce Los Angelos. “Anngeleeze”
For starters it’s not just the judges that sucked, the dancers jumping around was really distracting. Then the massive overuse of lights flashing every where almost kicked off my epilepsy. The host really was stiff, glad he’s gone. Nicole was catty. If they get rid of the dancers & lights & go with 3 judges along with the new firings, maybe I’ll watch it.
I Really LIKE xfactor until the Rachel crow incident. Nicole is such a stupid judge…thank god she is gone. Paula will be missed.Steve was decent. Ratings fell for xfactor because of the mistake that NICOLE made for Rachel. for the most part, toward the end, the talented ones were the ones leaving like crow and drew.I will watch the show cuz Nicole left…thank god
I liked the show and am looking forward to its return. Bad decisions were made by all judges (mentors) as far as I’m concerned. It’s sad to see them go except for the host. Him I will not miss in the least!
I will not watch the show this year due to the firing of Paula Abdul
please let this be true, first Steve, then Nicole and now Paula, the panel really needs a revamp
It as not the judges who were lacking talent. It was the contestants. One or two were truly talented. I love the buildup and the staging and competition. It was the time of their lives, and I enjoyed watching them struggle through it. Josh was amazing.
You said it was not the judges lacking but the contestants. Remember those judges selected those contestants. After bypassing what many of us would call really good talent, I could see the way the judges were going toward their musical preferences.
This whole first season had way too much bickering between the judges. This show is about the contestants. Not how crappy the judges can treat the contestants to get back at the other judge.
I actually hated the staging. Most of the show took place on a big dark stage inside a big dark auditorium with no real sense of intimacy between the contestants and the TV audience…. Especially during the early auditions when the audience reactions were influencing whether or not a contestant would make it. I much prefer Idol’s process in picking the final contestants WITHOUT an annoying studio audience around.
I agree. There’s an expression, “you can’t put lipstick on a pig” that seems appropriate for most of the lack-luster talent the judges tried to force down our throats with inane comments about “authenticity, etc.
I also think getting rid of L A Reid might help the show as he never really said anything important. There’s a great panel of judges on the show “Sing-Off”, anyone of which (or all three for that matter) know music, articulate their comments well, and have that ever important screen presence.
As for a host, why not have celebrity singer’s host as guests. Perhaps they could start the show with a musical number they made famous and then take over the hosting responsibilities. It might help improve ratings. Imagine the ratings if Bieber, Carey, or Elton, opened the show.
I’d also tone down the big production numbers. It’s embarrassing to watch a no-talent waste huge production resources with an underwhelming performance.
I only watched a few times, in the early shows. I felt as though it belonged on BET. The entertainment to me was like the old TV variety shows, with everything except spinning dishes on sticks from Ed Sullivan.
I do not know who won, and did not care. “Mentoring” very poor; ‘acts’ did not add to the show: it was similar to the also terrible “The Voice.” I predict a short life for this show.
The original concept was good, and Idol has suffered since Simon left that.
Nicole I think was awesome, kind and genuine. LA Reid must go and Paula should stay.
I can safely say, I did not see that coming
Bring on Mariah!
That shrieking mess? No way.
My husband and I watched the show sporadically, we thought it was just horrible. The host was awful and I couldn’t stand the accent. Cheryl Cole was just fine, her accent I could understand. Nicole was pitiful.
It ended up not being a talent contest but a war between the judges on who’s group or contestant was going to continue on and they started voting on that basis instead of the talent.
Wow. It was needed. Season 1 didn’t really gel.
This would be news if anyone cared about X-Factor
Oh, they do, Not Idol, they do.
Seriously? Watch as IDOL stomps all over X-factor’s ratings this season.
I agree, I think this year IDOL has some awesome talent
this season.
If Abdul’s getting the boot is true I’m guessing the show really wants to distance itself from Idol and the Simon / Paula pairing can’t help that goal along.
Next stop: Mariah Carey. She’s good friends with L.A. Reid and Cowell really wanted Carey in any capacity for Factor’s 1st season.
Both shows are on FOX and X-Factor doesn’t compete with Idol…oh and add to the fact that Mariah’s been doing NOTHING aside from acting like a cougar in a Justin Bieber christmas video. She NEEDS this! It’s not a matter of someone “letting” her. She would’ve been on this past season during Mentor’s House final auditions but the hurricane prevented it.
She’s actually managed by LA Reid, but I understand the confusion: they look like twins, they both worked sitting next to Simon and Paula, and it’s always hard to tell which one is more annoying than the other.
Mariah would be a great choice, she seems to be kind of a b*tch, but her career is pretty much what all these shows’ contestants dream about. And having her as a judge would be a pretty decent answer to The Voice having Christina.
Thank God. She’s a pathetic mess. She’s on, that show will head to the dumpster.
I think this show’s problems have everything to do with the competition from the new improved American Idol and the fabulous The Voice, and nothing to do with Paula Abdul.
The fabulous “The Voice?” You must be kidding. I can’t even remember the name of one contestant—and I doubt most viewers of the show could either. Oh wait…Frenchie Davis…but wasn’t she originally on “American Idol?” And this year, aren’t they featuring Kelly Clarkson, “American Idol,” Season One Winner as a coach? This show seems bent on capturing viewers via it’s competition’s achievements while allowing their little resident rodent, Adam Levine to bad mouth the source. It’s so unbelievably pathetic.
Truth is, nothing Simon Cowell does will save his “X Factor” from irrelevance. It was over-the-top in its production and felt painfully phony in the process. The fortunes of all of these singing competitions will continue to fade as the public grows increasingly weary of the hackneyed formula. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it may have only succeeded in killing Fox’s golden goose.
This semi-literate report reads as if it was dictated by a breathless 12 year old girl.
It just won’t be the same without Paula !! It’s more like The eX Factor now
If I’m being honest…. The X-Factor sucked and I really tired to watch it. Never made it through a single show. The first two weeks of American Idol, caused me to buy my first Tivo.
Bingo! Something about X-Factor seemed forced and had too many squeemish moments. Idol is family friendly and actually FUN to watch. BIG difference!
Of course, anything with Jennifer Lopez is something worth watching!
Oh boy, the audience will not like this! First he pursues her and flirts with her and does a whole PR job about Paula and then he fires her! The man is mad I tell you….I didn’t watch the show, I thought it was “overproduced” and too European for my taste.
So I guess he’s going to scale down and Americanize it….but I see/hear Fox bigwigs behind this move….not Simon.
Dear Sally in Chicago, The show was too European? Please, all those tearjerking backstories, all that crying on national TV that is all America, and so far from European TV. It just makes me wanna barf into red, white and blue buckets. So before you amke another ininformed comment, please watch some European TV.
WGAS, WGAF!
So a no-talent, who has no more talent than any of the no-talents who have ever appeared on X-Factor, or American Idol, was fired by the luckiest man in “entertainment”. Yawn.
Here’s a clue Simon: Wrap is NOT music! Telling young kids that they have all sorts of talent because they wrap, is dishonest at best. Stevie Wonder IS music, and I’m not sure how you even put them in the same ballpark. Idol has people who can sing real MUSIC.
“Wrap” music?
LOL this made me laugh
I think “crap” music was the intention.
My real problem with X-Factor is that judges mentor certain talent. Omit that and let everyone have a level playing field.
First it seemed like he betrayed Cheryl Cole, now Paula. This is probably not a good PR move. If they want to bring on Mariah Carey, they should keep Paula.
At least it might be more interesting now.
He did betray Cheryl. She was on the UK version for 3 seasons and FOX knew what they were getting so to try and dump her after 2 cities without speaking to her about his concerns he talked to FOX and FOX called Cheryl to tell her. Then they “thought she’d be more comfortable” back in the UK and the deal fell through and then told her she could stay with the US version just adding to overall WTFness. He’s even admitted he didn’t like the way it went down.
Not renewing Paula’s contract is what the show needs. Get out of Idol’s shadow, stop living in it’s past.
Mariah sucks the big one. Talk about taking the show to the trash bin. If she becomes a judge, there won’t be a third season.
Paula gone, REALLY??? I agree the show needs an overhaul, but don’t get rid of Paula and Simon. I was hoping for EVERYONE to get fired except Paula. And yes, the Randy Jackson impersonater needs to go, it just looked so wierd with him at the table with Simon & Paula
Simon has no cred as a producer. Look at the hosts and judges he’s misjudged on his 2 shows – Regis, Springer, the Hoff, Brandy, Steve Jones, Paula, NIcole. What does he really know about picking talent?
If this news is true and Paula was let go from XF you better believe there will be backlash from her fans. I know I will no longer watch the show no matter who they hire as new judges.
I dont agree with getting rid of Paula at all….Steve Jones = Horrible host, deserved to be gone…Nicole I could care less either way, she was nice to look at, so was Cheryl Cole. Unless they get some big name replacements this could be some real trouble for the show.
*Steve Jones’s voice* — Remember in no particular order this is who’s gone…Nicole, Paula, and Me…remember the results are in no particular order.
Sucked? Melanie Amaro is better than anyone who won Idol. Go look up Carrie Underwood’s winning night, Melanie woulda cleaned her v
Clock.
Not hardly. Melanie can sing, my husband picked her to win from day one. She’s awesome, but if you overproduced Carrie Underwood’s winning night like the X-Factor did with Melanie, Carrie would have won straight up.
There’s no comparison since the production is the selling point on X-Factor, and the talent is the selling point on Idol.
I am a big fan of Melanie Amaros but she will be lucky to have a career like Underwood has had.
Sorry to hear about Paula. My problem with X-Factor was the music was to loud and couldn’t hear the singer.
Not too bad. Never thought much of this X-Factor incarnation. Simon never was a good A&R guy, but a good showoff. Scherzinger was a joke, L.A. Reid was not the LaFace entrepreneur from back then, and has not understood that pushing his black artists does not fit the demo of the show, Paula, who at heart is a choreographer did not understand what the viewers of this “show” want either. So all in all, a reshuffle is probably a good thing. However, if they bring on Mariah, the disaster will just continue. Oh, I forgot Steve Jones. They need an American for that role.
It’s probably quite hard to find “Judges” that have star-power, as well as a clue about music/talent. These are usually working and are not interested. I’d love to see the likes of Elton John (bitch) or Cher.
Won’t happen though.
This show showed signs of problems when they dropped Cheryl Cole, the hugely popular twice winning mentor in the UK, for the failed solo artist and low ratings judge from The Sing Off Sherzinger. I’ll have faith in Simon if he does make the decision to ditch Paula as she’s hurting the show in seeing it as the Idol knock off many detractors called it. The judging panel was terrible and if he hadn’t burned bridges he’d be smart to get Cheryl back and then add Mariah. Since Cheryl’s manager said she’ll never do X-factor again then I hope he tries for Janet Jackson.
Agreed.. From the scant footage we saw of Cheryl, she was a breath of fresh air. Not sure what was running through his mind to replace her with Nicole. Perhaps some bribery behind the scenes to try and recoup the millions spent on Nicole’s non-starting music career.
Nicole has been given the opportunity to perform new singles on “Idol” and “X-Factor US” with millions watching, and she still can’t get that hit!
Paula was my judge and the reason I watched show. Simon sucked this year. Simon should fire himself.
Amen to that! Simon was a lousy mentor. Melanie won *in spite of* the fact that he had her sounding the same every week. Rachel and Drew weren’t so lucky while he was running them into the ground with unadventurous song choices that, especially in Rachel’s case, did little to highlight the depth of their talent. And as a judge, he was just as inane in his commentary as the others, with a side of that ridiculous bickering that only slowed the show down and distracted from the performers. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, Simon…
The stage is the star, you can not even see the singers, just a giant stage with screen saver graphics. On a 60 inch LCD the singer is about 2 inches tall on most of the singing shots, but ooooh the stage you can see all of it.
I completely agree. Huge, dark, flashy stage + loud, annoying studio audience + contestants who aren’t yet ready for prime time + tedious judges = XFactor fail. If I were Simon… the first thing I would do to improve the show is to hold auditions in a smaller venue… and get rid of the annoying live audience during auditions. I hated those early auditions and therefore the show never really clicked for me.