And Simon Cowell's First 'X Factor' Judge Is...

By Zach Dionne Posted Mar 16th 2011 04:38PM

It looks like Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid will join the cast of Simon Cowell's new FOX singing competition 'The X Factor,' according to The Hollywood Reporter.

THR's sources say Reid's participation as a judge is "a done deal" and that an official announcement will hit later this week.

Reid has a contract with Universal Music until December, but would get released early to join 'The X Factor.' Auditions for the show kick off March 27 in LA.

The winner will score a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music.

Cowell is the only judge thus far. How he'll flesh out his table with three more judges has been a hot topic lately. Cowell recently told 'Access Hollywood Live' he was considering George Michael, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and former 'American Idol' co-judge Paula Abdul. He also said that Elton John is absolutely not in the running -- "He's so grumpy nowadays. He'd just be moaning the whole time," Cowell said.

See Cowell talk 'X Factor' judges:

"It will be the best judging panel so far, I promise you," Cowell told MTV this week. "If I get the people I want, I'm really happy."

Who Else Should Judge 'The X Factor'? Tell Us on Facebook!

Tags: L.A. Reid, The X Factor

Comments

(18)

Wednesday 16 March

By joanjmak05

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It should be Simon of course, then Paula would be great because they did work together as we all know and they work well together. L.A. Reid would be a nice touch after all he has been in the business a long time.

By stu

George Micheal=yes!!!
Def...whatever....is like Randy=bad choice.

By cold shower

stu is a flamer!!!!!!!!! Bet he got a beauner over last night glee episode.

By Andrew

Who cares? *points at self* Not this guy!

By Robert

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Who the F**K is deaf jam and who the F**K is l a reed? I hope he isn't like that other fat black guy on the idle show that can only say yo dude and dawg. I;ll turn it right off just like I do with idle.

By boris

He maybe deserving of this job, but still smells like filling minorities quota to me.

By Ben

They screwed up hiring that culture stealing sagging butt PuertoRican JLO when it should have been Jessica Simpson on Idol. Paula would be a good choice.

By will

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Jessica Simpson?..she has less talent than the no talent Lopez! You people have no clue what talent is!

Wednesday 23 March

By KIM

HARRY CONNICK JR IS FUNNY, TALENTED, AND KNOWLEDGEABLE. THEY'D BY LUCKY TO GET HIM.

By chante

L A Reid is one of the toughest men in the music business..He does not play. Paula Abdul, love her but I think Simon wants to the take the X Factor to another level and definitely not to be confused with American Idol. George Michael would definitely work.

By Loretta

I think L.A Reid its a very good choice, finally, they are sitting people with acknowledge in regards, the meaning of music business and real talent. L.A Reid was the one who discovered and signed to his label LAFACE Records Tony Braxton, Pink, TLC among others, believe me, he had make big numbers. This guy have the vision, the capacity as an A & R ( Artist and Repertoire) and experience to be sitting and bring a positive turn to this show besides celebrities, they should bring on the table people with the experience behind the record business, so we can all learn. Randy from American idol is only a producer, L.A Reid, is a major league in the music business as a creator, A & R, and producer as also, my respect to Clive Davis, who is a nother genious. We need people like this in the music world.

Thursday 17 March

By grannybet

You are so refreshing,intelligent, got your facts together.The people, not all, but too many on here don't know s##t from shinola.Can't read,can't spell, but still vying for attention.L.A. Reid is a genious in his field plus a millionaire,knows what he's doing. Simon made an excellent choice.There's rampant ignorance and racism on this site. I like CURRENT TV's news and statements that follow. Well thought out and thought provoking, even the ones I don't agree with.Give it a try if you haven't.

By Pamela

Who cares?

By Mr. Kidd II

Hey! It's Al Roker!

By hexfactor

This show is much different than American Idol. Simon Cowell will wear a dress on X Factor.

By charles M

He also is responsible for stealing from TLC and Toni Braxton. They all went bankrupt while under La Face watch out Justin Bieber u should have signed with Justin Timberlake.

By Phil

You need Charlie Sheen He Knows talent

By victory

Simon is sharp. His 1st choice for the "X Factor" Antonio Reid, excellent. The panel of judges, no doubt, will be the best in their fields. You rock Simon!

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