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 Lisa

Vote down Vote up Report this

i heard she got the boot because of her strong
english accent and nobody couldn`t understand
what she was saying.

By DillPickles

Cheryl Who? I actually had to go to youtube to figure out who she is...and to hear her accent. I am an American who has family in England...my mom is British...and I go to England often....and I had a hard time understanding her... It's safe to say that the Fox executives made the correct decision.

By Whatever

Seriously, do we REALLY need another singing contest??

By Robert C

If they had a problem with her accent then they should have never hired her for the show but to hire her then just to fire her is wrong.

By Kathy

I for one am VERY GLAD Cherly Cole has been kicked off The X-Factor. She is a vert tough judge. I saw her back home kick this guy off and he was really good, The other two judges where split so it was her choice to keep him or let him go she said NO The audience booed her. She shattered that mans dreams Never liked her since. So good riddance.

Thursday 22 September

By Aaron

Well I was born and raised in the United States, and I had absolutely no trouble at all understanding her, while I never understand half of what the jersey shore morons are saying or rednecks from the south...And I also have not only been aware of, but also have loved the Cheryl's music she she has gone solo. And she was the cutest and most endearing judge on the show... Ugh. and Nicole Scherzinger? really? Talk about an overrated. and she was a nobody a few short years ago...

Thursday 29 September

By Robbie

I was shocked when I heard Cheryl Cole was fired! I liked her. I could understand her accent just fine. A beautiful,sweet,fresh face and her personality seemed to match as well. I never heard or seen her before but she had likability from the beginning. So sorry to see her leave. Actually, Americans have had a harder time understanding what Paula Abdul was saying,or should I say trying to say. Nobody could be harder to understand than Paula!

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