Why Is Every Big Celeb's Name in 'The X Factor' Hat?

By Zach Dionne Posted Apr 14th 2011 11:24PM

Pop-Ed: Nicki Minaj. Fergie. Jessica Simpson. Rihanna. What do they have in common? They're all huge pop stars, and they're all probably not joining Simon Cowell's new FOX singing competition 'The X Factor.'

So why does each week bring a new story about a major artist supposedly in talks for the show, followed by the next week's headline sheepishly verifying said starlet is "definitely not" signing on with Cowell. So far the only confirmed judges are L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole. That's right -- L.A. who (kinda kidding) and Cheryl who (kinda not really kidding)?

Both judges have credentials -- Reid is a veteran record executive and producer, most recently in charge of Island Def Jam, and Cole was in pop group Girls Aloud and judged the original 'X Factor' in Britain. But is either judge an internationally famous, name-brand celebrity like Fergie or Rihanna? No.

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

Yet when L.A. Reid was announced as the first judge, Cowell's comment was, "L.A. was my number one choice to sit alongside me on the show." So Simon, you're courting some of the biggest singers and hit-makers in the business -- you're truly, honestly courting them -- but an exec with very little power to pull in all-important viewers was your number one choice? Hmm.

When 'American Idol' rebuilt its judging table from the ground up (minus Randy Jackson -- didn't forget you, dawg), big names were similarly floated; Elton John, Howard Stern, Harry Connick Jr., Jessica Simpson (then and now, always and forever). Season ten of 'Idol' ended up with J.Lo and Steven Tyler -- entertaining judges for sure, but was either a major coup for the series? Was either an Elton or a Jessica?

'X Factor' rumors have also swirled around Lily Allen, Enrique Iglesias and Taylor Momsen. Cowell recently told 'Access Hollywood Live' he was considering George Michael, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and former 'American Idol' co-judge Paula Abdul for his coveted (?) judging spots. He also clarified that Elton John is absolutely not in the running -- "He's so grumpy nowadays. He'd just be moaning the whole time," Cowell said.

Simon: We're moaning all the time now. Get this over with and choose a judge, uber-famous or not. When your show grabs headlines for its merit, not its casting rumors, we'll get onboard.

►Yesterday: Rihanna Says She's Not Joining 'X Factor'

See Cowell talk 'X Factor' judges:

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Tags: Simon Cowell, The X Factor

Comments

(6)

Thursday 14 April

By Cinthya Valdivia

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PopEater needs to get it together. LA Reid is HUGE name in the music business. Yes, there are other big names in business besides Lady Gaga. Jeez.

By Bonbon

Who is LA Reid, i never heard of him and who is Cheryl Cole, Nicki Minaj? Geez Simon get some talent on the judging table or you are going to fail big time.

By Mike

Kind of ironic that their called big stars and that they are larger than the average female in hollywood. especially jessica simpson.

Wednesday 21 March

By Tony

Love Cheryl Cole's judging and singing abilities! You can get HUNDREDS of clips on youtube and judge for yourself. She have a likability factor about her unlike Paula Abdul. L.A. Reid made hundreds of singles and made singers superstars and will continue to be a music mogul until he retires from it. So I think they will be excellent additions to X Factor.

By connie997

Ha!Ha! Obviously this article is a left over from April 1st...as any article would be that inferred that Jessica Simpson would be a "coup" over J. Lo. What planet are you from? The last I heard, Jessica was dropped from her label.....there is no doubt that all these stars are way more talented than the writer of this article and it looks like the headline grabber is not the X-Factor, but this author.

Friday 15 April

By Catalectic

I would love to see Sade as the judge that Simon can't decide on. She has the talent, and most importantly she has the wisdom. She is still selling out arenas globally. I don't think anyone would disagree that Sade would be amazing. Did I mention that she is impossibly beautiful?

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