Why Did Cheryl Cole Get Booted From U.S. 'X Factor'?

By Elizabeth Yun Posted May 26th 2011 02:56PM

It's official: British beauty Cheryl Cole has been ousted from her judging seat on the U.S. edition of the 'The X Factor' in favor of Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger. Scherzinger previously served as a guest judge on the original U.K. version of the singing competition where she thoroughly impressed both producers and her fellow judges.

Cole rose to fame when she won a competition to become a member of the popular British girl group Girls Aloud in 2002. She signed on to become a permanent judge on Simon Cowell's 'X Factor' in 2008, replacing Sharon Osbourne. The adorable starlet became an instant fan favorite, which also propelled her new solo career. Two years later, when she went through a very public divorce from her soccer star husband, Ashley Cole, in the midst of a cheating scandal, it only made fans love her more.

But her popularity didn't immediately translate when Cowell confirmed her as his first choice to judge the stateside version of his wildly popular show. The general consensus was "Cheryl who?" but Cowell stood by his choice, convinced she'd win over fans on this side of the pond as well.

FOX, which will begin to air the series this fall, apparently didn't agree. Reports emerged yesterday that Cole, who quit the U.K. gig to focus on its U.S. counterpart, was getting the boot -- reports that were confirmed today. And now everyone is speculating as to what caused the shake-up.

The juiciest rumor to emerge is the obligatory "feuding divas" shtick. Media outlets are reporting that Cole and fellow judge Paula Abdul (Cowell's former 'American Idol' judging nemesis) just didn't have any "chemistry." However, the two seemed to be getting along swimmingly when Abdul posted a photo of her and Cole on Twitter in early May and called her "lovely."

But other reports paint a much simpler picture. FOX was concerned that her thick Geordie accent would just be too darn confusing for American audiences. Cole, who hails from Newcastle in northeastern England, actually endeared herself to Brits with her Geordie inflection. Upon hearing news of her ouster, comedian Russell Brand poked fun at the star exclaiming, "Our Cheryl? That cannae be right!" He added that she is "Britain's sweetheart."

Unfortunately, Cole won't have an opportunity to become America's next sweetheart as well.

Tags: cheryl cole, fox, nicole scherzinger, X Factor

Comments

(87)

Friday 27 May

By michael

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i suppose it`s revenge for decades of crap american tv...:)

By eeeeee

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Her voice got my attention like nails on a chalk board. If she wants to make it in the great US of A she should pose for Playboy. A big thumbs up to keeping her mouth shut and her legs open.

By Dr. Gordon

How about Dr. Sheryl Gordon being a judge on the X Factor with Simon. I think she will be great!!
She's from Fort Lauderdale, Fl.

By Ebony R.

wow really? how stupid do they think Americans are where we won't be able to understand a different type of British accent. This is insulting!! I love Cheryl and her accent and I've never had a problem understanding her.

By chris

Is that an actual person? I swear I thought the lead picture was that of a mannequin.

By Dee

...because Paula doesn't want anyone prettier than her sitting next to Simon.

By Anthony

I haven't heard of Cheryl Cole but I know that Nicole Scherzinger is known worldwide. Nicole can sing, dance, act, model, judge, host etc. She was a former champion from WB show Popstar and she also won Season 10 Dancing With The Stars and showed her dancing prowess to America. Someone said earlier that Nicole is not likeable, hello???? She wouldn't win a popular show like DWTS if she wasn't popular or talented.

By tradervic

I think it all came down to Paula feeling threatened by a pretty young thing and decided to throw her weight around. By mid season , they might wish they'd kept her.

By Pete

I watch the shows for the talent, not because of who the judges are. Find it strange that people make their decision to watch because of the judges. Everyone said the same about Simon leaving Iidols and look how the ratings went up this year. Get a life people and open your minds a bit. life is about changes!!

By maggie

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ... another reality singing show, how original....
American Idol killed it for me this year.... tired of tweenies voting for marginally talented little boys... same will happen here...sorry, so over this concept!

Nicole can be provocative because of her sexy clothing and dance routines and she's also super gorgeous and beautiful and for that reason, there will be haterssss but she's a multi platinum artist and she has millions of fans worldwide. The song Jai Ho, When I Grow Up, Dont Cha, I Hate This Part, Hush Hush etc were all top of the charts. She can sing different genres like rock, pop, r&b, techno, dance, ballad etc. She is one multi-talented independent woman!!!

By GT

I agree. I can't bare to watch Paula Abdul, either. She is a two-bit hack that has exhausted her 15 minutes of fame. What a bore!

By Cyrano

She's frightfully ugly. I can see why they let her go.

By albalairv

What, no British Rights Group outrage?

NO...we`re not Americans..:)

By Paul

I read this report as far as it was factual, but when it devolved into reporting on rumors, I stopped. Why is it that people who write and report on the Internet decide they don't have to follow journalistic principles and ethics?

By ookevin1

The producers are fools. I've been watching segments of X-Factor just to watch AND HEAR Cheryl. She could read me the dictionary for hours on end and I would be one happy camper. There is no more pleasant accent in the english speaking world. And I say that as a Florida native.

By tigre1963

Aren't there any American celebs/actors available?

What's the fascination with English and their accents anyway - I love House but ther are so many Americans who don't need to fake accents

By Kevin

I was intrigued by Cheryl she looks like she would've been a hit over in U.S. as well, but I also like Nicole Scherzinger she's just as lovely!

By foxyfauxy

Firing Cheryl because of her Geordie accent?!

Obviously, America prefers to remake perfectly good tv shows (ie: The Office) and films from other countries because there is a reluctance to listen to different accents/read subtitles. Nicole Scherzinger is America's Cheryl Cole remake.

I've watched UK X Factor the past 2 series and while Cheryl's accent takes some getting used to at first , it's not hard to understand.

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