Cheryl Cole 'SACKED from X Factor USA... and replaced by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger'

 

 

By Lizzie Smith and Ben Todd

 

Last updated at 2:36 AM on 26th May 2011

 

 

• Cole's strong Geordie accent stopped U.S. audiences understanding her
  
  

Cheryl Cole is believed to have been sensationally sacked from the U.S. X Factor before the show has even hit TV screens.

Cole, 27, only started filming two weeks ago.

But according to reports in America, she has been replaced as a judge by Nicole Scherzinger, who had been due to be a co-host on the series.

Last night sources said Cole was dropped from the judging panel because producers were concerned her Geordie accent would be too difficult for an American audience to understand.

 

 

 

Replaced: Cheryl Cole has been sacked from the U.S. version of X Factor, with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger taking her place

 

She was also said to ‘lack chemistry’ with fellow judge Paula Abdul, according to U.S. gossip website TMZ.

 

There were suggestions last night that TV executives now want Cole to return to the British version of the show.

Scherzinger, 32, the girlfriend of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, was formerly in U.S. pop band Pussycat Dolls.

She will join Simon Cowell, record boss LA Reid and Miss Abdul on the panel.

 

Experienced: Scherzinger had previously replaced Cole on the UK X Factor when she was seriously ill with malaria

 

The show is not due to hit TV screens until September, but in recent weeks the judges have been auditioning hopefuls. Cities so far visited included New York and Chicago.

A spokesman for the show also declined to comment on Cole’s position. But if her axing is confirmed, it marks a humiliation for the star.

She had decided to put all her energy into making it in the U.S., and quit her role as a judge on the British version of the show to help the American launch.

After months of speculation, it was finally confirmed on May 5 that she was joining the programme.

With Cowell’s support, she secured a £1.2million contract. But producers included a get-out clause so they could drop her after the first series if she failed to win over viewers.

 

The big reveal: Steve Jones, Scherzinger, L.A Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Cole pose as they prepare to record the first audition show last month

Cowell said at the time: ‘I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show.’

Cole said: ‘I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor.

‘I absolutely love it here in the UK and with the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special. I can’t wait to get started.’

Cole is also said to have viewed the high profile that the role would give her as the perfect stepping stone for launching her solo pop career in the U.S.

 

She had even hinted she was considering making the U.S. her permanent home following her high-profile divorce from footballer Ashley Cole last year.

 

When asked if she was considering buying a home in Los Angeles she told the MailOnline last month: ‘Watch this space.’

 

 

Delighted: Scherzinger leaves Los Angeles airport LAX yesterday with a wide smile on her face

 

 

At one of the auditions for the U.S. show, Cole admitted: ‘You might have to bear with me on the accent.’

But it appeared to be under control.

Just last week Cowell appeared confident that America was embracing his protégé, who quit her job on the British X Factor panel to make her name Stateside.

 

'The audience seemed to warm to Cheryl,' he said. 'No problems with the understanding, from what we’ve heard.'

One person who will not be surprised is Sharon Osbourne.

When Cole's role on the show was announced the former UK X Factor judge said: 'Cheryl’s perfect for England - she’s the nation’s sweetheart and they absolutely love her.

'But over here it’s Nicole’s town. You have to think of the audience and most of them would never have heard of Girls Aloud.

'Nicole’s great TV, has a huge following here in the States and people absolutely love her. Plus she’s beautiful and talented.'

This will not be the first time Scherzinger has worked as an X Factor judge.

She was brought in to replace Dannii Minogue on the UK X Factor last year while the Australian singer was on maternity leave.

Cowell then brought Scherzinger back onto the UK X Factor judging panel to replace Cole when she was seriously ill with malaria last year.

At the time there were press reports that Cole was furious with the decision and even texted Simon asking: ‘Why did you get her?’

The next round of auditions, in Dallas, are set to take place tomorrow.

 

Calls to the U.S. X Factor were not returned.

Furious Cheryl Cole snubs Cowell's offer of return to British X Factor after humiliating axe from U.S. show

 

 

By Lizzie Smith, Ben Todd, Andrea Magrath, Paul Revoir and Alison Boshoff

 

Last updated at 9:50 AM on 27th May 2011

 

 

• ITV 'eager for her to return to British judges panel'
  
  
• Has fled the U.S. and is back in the UK
  
• Show co-host Nicole Scherzinger will take her place on judges panel in U.S.
  
  
• Her accent stopped U.S. audiences understanding her say TV bosses
  

Cheryl Cole is ready to snub Simon Cowell’s offer to return as a judge on the British X Factor panel after being dumped from the U.S. version of the show.

 

ITV is eager for her to return to their edition of the programme, with Cowell believed to be instrumental in the move.

 

However Cole is so angry at her treatment by American X Factor bosses – including Cowell – that she is now considering turning her back on the show.

 

Cole has gone into hiding following her devastating sacking from the U.S. X factor.

 

Low profile: Cheryl Cole, pictured earlier this month at Cannes airport, is in hiding following her sacking from the X Factor USA

 

 

The 27-year-old was last seen in public on May 19 at the auditions in Chicago.

Both the X Factor and Cole's spokespeople are still refusing to comment on her unceremonious departure, however she is thought to have been informed of the decision by the network on Tuesday and is believed to have fled the States.

Cole is thought to be back in the UK and is remaining behind closed doors.

Meanwhile her apparent replacement, Nicole Scherzinger, was pictured strolling through LAX airport hours before the reports emerged with a very telling smile on her face.

Simon Cowell is understood to be in a less than sunny mood though - inside sources today claimed that the show supremo is suffering from a 'bad migraine'.

 

Back-up offer: Cheryl Cole is said to be furious with Cowell and plans to snub his offer of a return to her old job on UK X Factor

 

Studio bosses had demanded immediate changes and it was decided Cole, who is relatively unknown in America, was dispensable. There was also concern that her Geordie accent would be hard for U.S. viewers to understand.

 

A close friend of the star’s said: ‘Cheryl is furious. This is another slap in the face. She moved to America in full public glare – and now she’s being asked to come back to do the UK again. She feels hurt and let down.’

 

Nevertheless, ITV sources were last night hopeful she may still return. According to a senior source, ‘plenty of phone-calls are going on’. However, he admitted any deal would have to be done ‘bloody quickly’ as the auditions for the British series are due to begin next week.

 

One ITV insider said: ‘Of course we would be glad to have her back. She is Cheryl Cole.’

 

 

 

Yet to sign: Kelly Rowland (left) and Tulisa Contostavlos are expected to join Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow on the UK judges panel

 

He added: ‘Would the British audience welcome her back? I believe they would. There would be a sense of this is where you belong.

 

‘But let’s be honest. She will have to decide very quickly. We are doing auditions next week.’

 

The British judging line-up has not been announced yet, although long-serving judge Louis Walsh is expected to be joined by Take That’s Gary Barlow, American pop star Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos of N-Dubz.

 

Yesterday it was claimed that it was Cole’s choice to quit the American show – because she was missing Britain.

 

However, a close friend of the singer’s told the Mail: ‘She wasn’t homesick and wasn’t pining to come home. That’s not true at all.’

 

 

Delighted: Scherzinger leaves Los Angeles airport LAX earlier this week with a wide smile on her face

 

She was fired after TV bosses at U.S. network Fox said the show was not working in its current format. Television executives were ‘not thrilled with the chemistry’ on the judging panel, which also included Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and record boss LA Reid.

Early focus groups were also said to have been negative. As a result, Fox decided Cole was the weak link.

‘She may be Britain’s sweetheart but nobody knows her here,’ a U.S. programme source revealed.

Another source said: ‘This came out of nowhere. She had already been tested countless times. Simon had nothing to do with it. This is the network’s doing.’

 

 

Replaced: Cheryl Cole has been sacked from the U.S. version of X Factor, with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger taking her place

 

 

TV bosses were also concerned about the combination of Cole and Abdul. Cole is 21 years younger than Abdul, but failed to outshine her.

Dannii Minogue – who starred in the UK version before it was announced she was leaving earlier this month – tweeted her support for Cole, saying: ‘Judging roles should come with a life jacket, drop-down oxygen and a life raft!’

Cole's replacement, Nicole Scherzinger, is the girlfriend of British motor racing driver Lewis Hamilton and a former singer with The Pussycat Dolls.

Scherzinger, 32, was due to co-host the programme with Welshman Steve Jones.

 

 

 

 

 

Changing styles: Cole arrives for the first day of auditions wearing a bright outfit and massive hair before toning things down for a more demure look as the auditions went on

 

 

An awkward red carpet interview at the National Movie Awards this month may indicate that she could have known something was amiss some time ago.

 

 

OK magazine asked her what she thought of Cole on the panel, to which she replied coyly: 'I think she's lovely, she's beautiful.'

When the magazine pressed her on the subject, Scherzinger apparently was at a loss for words and remained silent, until her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton came to her rescue, jumping in with: 'No one can sing like my baby.'

Scherzinger has already stepped in for Cole on the British version of the show when Cole fell ill with malaria last year.

And there was no shortage of chemistry for the former Pussycat Doll with judges Cowell and Walsh.

She will now join Cowell, record boss LA Reid and Abdul on the panel.

Russell Brand, appearing on Daybreak this morning, expressed his disbelief at the news.

 

Experienced: Scherzinger had previously replaced Cole on the UK X Factor when she was seriously ill with malaria

 

 

He said: 'Our Cheryl? That cannae be right! Our Cheryl, kicked off X Factor? What the American

CHERYL GETS SUPPORT FROM HER CELEBRITY FRIENDS

 

With the news that Cole has been fired, many of her famous friends have come forward to lend their support.

DANNII MINOGUE tweeted this morning: 'Judging roles should come with a life jacket, drop down oxygen and a life raft!'

RUSSELL BRAND said on Daybreak today: 'Our Cheryl, kicked off X Factor? That cannae be right! What the American one? And I’ve come to this country in good faith and they’ve kicked Cheryl off? She’s Britain’s sweetheart!'

JULIEN MCDONALD said at the Lorraine High Street Fashion Awards: 'We love Cheryl Cole, she loves the High Street, she loves designer clothes, she mixes it up well, and I think she’s a fantastic ambassador for British fashion.'

SINITTA tweeted: 'USAXF! CC should stay, will be the making of her! Next level, use auto que if necessary!'

 

 

 

one? And I’ve come to this country in good faith and they’ve kicked Cheryl off, our Cheryl? Oh no! She’s Britain’s sweetheart.'

When he was told it was apparently due to Cole's accent, Brand replied: 'Is that what they don’t understand - the accent?

 

'Just listen more, just listen very intently. All them things she’s saying – that’s English.'

Meanwhile, Julien McDonald speaking at the Lorraine High Street Fashion Awards 2011 this morning, said he thinks the reports are a way of getting more press attention for Cole.

He said: 'Well I was speaking to Cheryl a few days ago, and when I spoke to her from America she was really happy, she was having the time of her life.

 

'So I think it’s a bit of a ‘media blah’ to get press for the X Factor… We love Cheryl Cole, she loves the High Street, she loves designer clothes, she mixes it up well, and I think she’s a fantastic ambassador for British fashion.'

 

X Factor USA is not due to hit TV screens until September, but the judges have already been auditioning hopefuls in New York and Chicago

Cole has previously admitted to having doubts about the move and said she was daunted by the 'really scary' prospect of breaking America.

 

The big reveal: Steve Jones, Scherzinger, LA Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Cole pose as they prepare to record the first audition show last month

 

 

 

 

 

 

She told Radio One DJ Fearne Cotton last year: 'It's kind of really scary, you know? Why would they give a beep what I thought?

 

'I think I always feel like that. They don't know me out there and I've got this weird accent and they'd be a bit like, "what?".'

After months of speculation, she was finally confirmed as a judge on May 5.

And with Cowell’s support, she secured a £1.2million contract. But producers included a get-out clause so they could drop her after the first series if she failed to win over viewers.

Cowell said at the time: ‘I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show.’

Cole added: ‘I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor.

 

WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG FOR CHERYL?

 

May 5th - Cheryl Cole is finally confirmed as an X Factor USA judge after months of speculation

May 8th - X Factor auditions begin, with Cole arriving for her first day in bright purple trousers and with huge hair

May 9th - Fellow judge Paula Abdul tweets a picture of her and Cheryl hugging, describing Cole as 'fierce'

 

 

 

May 11th - Reports emerge of the audience heckling Cole and anger arises when she takes the seat next to Cowell, once occupated by Abdul

 

May 15th - Cowell mocks Cole's first day hairstyle, calling it 'the equivalent of five gallons of hairspray and then standing in the middle of a hurricane'

 

May 18th - Cole flies to Cannes where she is apparently offered roles in two movies

 

May 20th - A new X Factor USA trailer is released, but Cole gets the last spot after fellow judges Abdul and LA Reid

 

May 25th - Reports emerge that Cole has been fired due to 'lack of chemistry' with her other judges and her strong Geordie accent

 

 

‘I absolutely love it here in the UK and with the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special. I can’t wait to get started.

Cole is also said to have viewed the high profile that the judging role would give her as the perfect stepping stone to launch her solo pop career in the U.S.

She had even hinted she was considering making the U.S. her permanent home following her very public divorce from footballer Ashley Cole last year.

 

When asked if she was considering buying a home in Los Angeles she told the MailOnline last month: ‘Watch this space.’

At one of the auditions for the U.S. show, Cole admitted: ‘You might have to bear with me on the accent.'

Just last week Cowell appeared confident that America was embracing his protégé, who quit her job on the British X Factor panel to make her name Stateside.

 

'The audience seemed to warm to Cheryl,' he said. 'No problems with the understanding, from what we’ve heard.'

And, speaking earlier this year, Cowell said Fox had been 'desperate' to employ Cole as a judge on the new show.

He said: 'Mike Darnell and Peter Rice will tell you they wanted her all the time, I showed a tape to Mike Darnell two years ago of a clip I'd shot in England of Cheryl and he said there and then, "I'd hire her now for Idol."

'They absolutely fell in love with her. In a way, the deal, it was almost conditional on Cheryl having the gig. They were desperate for her.'

Asked what he thinks stands out about Cole, Cowell replied to Deadline Hollywood: 'With Cheryl, when I hired her initially, I'd only met her literally once when I offered her the job on British X Factor

'I thought she was bright, cute, knew what she was talking about, ambitious.

 

'And you meet someone special a few times in your life.. And this girl is special.

'She's just got a great ability to communicate. She's a great judge. She's smart. It's just a hunch.

'If people take to her like the British public did, I think she's going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her.'

One person who will not be surprised at the news of Cole's departure is Sharon Osbourne.

When Cole's role on the show was announced the former UK X Factor judge said: 'Cheryl’s perfect for England - she’s the nation’s sweetheart and they absolutely love her.

'But over here it’s Nicole’s town. You have to think of the audience and most of them would never have heard of Girls Aloud. Nicole’s great TV, has a huge following here in the States and people absolutely love her. Plus she’s beautiful and talented.'

This will not be the first time Scherzinger has worked as an X Factor judge.

She was brought in to replace Dannii Minogue on the UK X Factor last year while the Australian singer was on maternity leave.

Cowell then brought Scherzinger back onto the UK X Factor judging panel to replace Cole when she was seriously ill with malaria last year.

At the time there were press reports that Cole was furious with the decision and even texted Cowell asking: ‘Why did you get her?’

Yesterday there remained no official comment from Cowell, the X Factor or Cole.

 

It's war: Cheryl Cole fights back as she blames Simon Cowell for unceremonious departure from X Factor USA

 

 

By Sarah Bull

 

Last updated at 7:25 PM on 27th May 2011

 

 

 

• Singer tells friends she feels like she's been 'hung out to dry'
  
• Sinitta claims Cole and Cowell are still 'in talks' about future plans
  
• Cole's PR tweets thanks from Cheryl to fans for their support
  
• She's still trying to decide whether or not to return to British X Factor
  

Fuming: Cheryl Cole, seen here earlier this month, is said to be 'shocked and stunned' after being sacked from X Factor USA

 

 

Cheryl Cole has been left 'shocked and stunned' after being unceremoniously dumped from X Factor USA.

The 27-year-old singer, who was revealed earlier this week to have been sacked from the show, is apparently blaming Simon Cowell fully for the decision, telling a friend she 'never saw it coming'.

 

However, a source from inside Cowell's camp said the music mogul had told Cheryl three days previously that it 'wasn't working' for her as a judge on the show.

 

And Cheryl was even more upset that Cowell is said to have avoided telling her the bad news in person

 

A source told The Sun: 'She is completely shocked and stunned. She never saw this coming at all.'

 

Cheryl is also quoted as telling a friend she had been 'hung out to dry' by Cowell and the X Factor USA.

 

The friend told the Daily Mirror: 'I know who’s to blame. I’ve had no opportunity whatsoever to prove myself and instead they’ve just cast me aside like a fool.'

A close friend of the star’s said: ‘Cheryl is furious. This is another slap in the face. She moved to America in full public glare - and now she’s being asked to come back to do the UK again. She feels hurt and let down.’

Cowell is unlikely to fare well in the eyes of the public due to his involvement in the decision to get rid of Cheryl.

The mogul is set to return to the UK next week for the live rounds of Britain's Got Talent and it remains to be seen how he is accepted by fans.

ITV bosses will also no doubt be hoping Cowell's return will help boost the show's ratings, which have been floundering.

One of the preliminary audition shows saw an average of 8.99 million viewers, the lowest for this stage since 2007.

 

Cowell decided to leave the judging panel of American Idol to concentrate fully on X Factor USA, but since his departure, Idol ratings have gone through the roof - with 21 per cent more viewers tuning in for the season finale than last year, when Cowell was still on the panel.

 

But Louis Walsh, the only remaining original judge left on the panel of the British show, has said he would be thrilled to have Cheryl back on the programme.

He said: 'We'd welcome her with open arms. I'm surprised about what happened to Cheryl in the US but yes I'd like her back on the UK show.

 

'I think she should return and I think most viewers feel the same. She's a great asset. I honestly don't know what's going to happen at this stage but I'm 100 per cent behind her returning.'

And, appearing on Daybreak this morning, Cowell's right-hand woman Sinitta said he and Cheryl are still 'in talks' to try and resolve the situation.

Back-up offer: Cheryl Cole is said to be furious with Cowell and plans to snub his offer of a return to her old job on British X Factor

 

She said: 'There is something going on. All I can say is Simon and Cheryl are very close and I believe that they are in talks trying to sort something out and as soon as they agree on something then we’ll hear about it.

'They are talking and they are working on something that they will agree on. Simon was 100 per cent behind Cheryl and I am sure that very, very soon, maybe today, we will find out what that decision will be.'

She added: 'Personally if she is not going to be on the American show then it would be great to have her back here – I know that’s what her fans want.'

 

And ITV sources were last night hopeful she may still return to the British show. According to a senior source, ‘plenty of phone-calls are going on’.

The big reveal: Steve Jones, Scherzinger, LA Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Cole pose as they prepare to record the first audition show last month

 

However, he admitted any deal would have to be done ‘bloody quickly’ as the auditions for the British series are due to begin next Wednesday.

 

Star quality: Bosses were also said to be concerned that Cheryl was overshadowed by Paula Abdul

 

 

One ITV insider said: ‘Of course we would be glad to have her back. She is Cheryl Cole.’

 

While Cheryl's spokespeople have yet to release a full statement about the decision, they did write on Twitter today that they have been talking to Cheryl regularly about what's going on.

They tweeted a Cheryl fan group: 'We've told Cheryl how much support she is getting from her soldiers. Thank you all.'

In a MailOnline poll, 23,633 voted that Cheryl should have been sacked, while 13,803 disagreed and said she should never have been replaced by Scherzinger.

'Lose two stone if you want to be a success', Cheryl Cole told ahead of U.S. X Factor appearance

 

 

By Ben Todd, Sara Nathan and Sarah Bull

 

Last updated at 1:39 PM on 30th May 2011

 

 

Cheryl Cole was under pressure to lose as much as two stone ahead of her ill-fated appearance on the U.S. X Factor, it emerged yesterday.

The 27-year-old singer is said to have been advised by an unnamed executive at the Fox network that she would need a huge image makeover if she wanted to win over audiences stateside.

Cheryl quickly enlisted the help of Gwyneth Paltrow’s personal trainer Tracy Anderson to try to achieve a more svelte physique after developing a curvier figure since battling back to health following a bout of malaria last year.

 

 

Makeover: Cheryl Cole is said to have been advised to lose as much as two stone ahead of her ill-fated appearance on the U.S. X Factor, it has emerged. She looked considerably more voluptuous at the Celebrate Success awards in March than she did at the Glamour Woman of the Year awards last year

 

 

However, she appeared looking noticeably more voluptuous as she left the airport in Chicago last weekend following auditions for the talent show.

Fuller face: Cheryl has looked curvier in recent months

 

Just days later she was axed from her role on the U.S. show.

Meanwhile, Cheryl will not be returning to the British version of The X Factor after TV executives withdrew their offer yesterday evening.

The star was initially given the ‘olive branch’ of returning as a judge on the UK version of the hit show after she was suddenly axed from its American counterpart last week.

However, the Daily Mail has learned that since being sacked Cheryl has become ‘uncontactable’.

 

She has refused to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, to discuss the option.

As a result, last night they decided to end their interest in bringing her back to the UK show.

A TV source told the Mail: ‘That’s it. Cheryl will not be returning to the British X Factor.

 

'People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she’s been uncontactable.

‘She hasn’t returned phone calls. And you can’t exactly negotiate with someone who won’t even speak to you.’

 

No return: Cheryl is said to have refused to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, about the possibility of returning to the British X Factor

 

 

TODAY'S POLL

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However, Amanda Holden, who is a judge on another of Cowell's shows, Britain's Got Talent, said today that Cheryl will regret it if she doesn't go back to the British show.

She told Radio 2: 'There is dark talk of Cheryl snubbing a return to British X Factor.

 

'Please do not do this. You will regret it for a long time.'

Last night it was confirmed that Tulisa Contostavlos, from hip hop group N-Dubz, had signed a deal to join the UK judging panel.

She will appear with Take That singer Gary Barlow, U.S. pop star Kelly Rowland and long-serving judge Louis Walsh.

 

Getting into shape: Cheryl was pictured leaving the gym earlier this month. She enlisted Gwyneth Paltrow's personal trainer Tracey Anderson to help her get into the best shape possible.

 

 

New X-factor UK judging panel:

Pop mogul Louis Walsh is joined by Take That's Gary Barlow, singer Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos of crap hip-hop band N-Dubz.

Is this panel some sort of joke? I just saw on TV its Walsh, Tulisa, Kelly Rowland and Barlow as well as Cheryl whos now agreed to join up. 5 people with absolutely no chemistry, nice.

As Cheryl and Simon go to war, his people claim she asked for £2.5m to return to British X-Factor

 

 

By Ben Todd and Paul Revoir

 

Last updated at 11:56 PM on 30th May 2011

 

 

Only a month ago Simon Cowell told the world Cheryl Cole was ‘special’.

Last night, however, the TV mogul and the pop star were at war – through their ‘people’ – amid claims her advisers demanded £2.5million for her to return to the UK X Factor after her shock axing from the U.S. version of the show.

It came after ITV issued a statement confirming that the Girls Aloud star will not feature in its judging panel for the TV talent contest.

 

Allies: Cheryl with her new manager Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas who is believed to have demanded the huge fee for her to return to X Factor

 

Cowell himself has remained unusually silent on the issue – other than a subtle reference on last night’s Britain’s Got Talent, where he also raised eyebrows by arriving for a turn as guest judge in a suit and unbuttoned shirt which bared his hairy chest.

But according to senior sources at both his production company Syco, and ITV, associates of Mrs Cole believed to be led by pop star William Adams – known as Will.i.am and who became her manager a month ago – wanted the broadcaster to agree to the huge fee.

ITV, however, was apparently prepared only to match the singer’s £1.5million fee from last year’s series, despite having already provisionally decided its new judging panel.

Open neck: Cowell - baring his hairy chest - returned to BGT last night

 

The dispute was further clouded when a close friend of Mrs Cole’s insisted she never had any intention of returning to the UK show and told how Adams is furious with Cowell over Mrs Cole’s sacking – after just four days on the U.S. show.

The friend said: ‘Will.i.am doesn’t want her to have anything to do with Cowell anymore. Cowell thought she would come running back and take the UK job – but why would she when she’s been hung out to dry in the U.S..’

Since her humiliating sacking, Mrs Cole has been uncontactable – with sources suggesting she did not even know of the demands allegedly being made on her behalf.

She has refused to take telephone calls from TV executives, including Cowell.

Some reports even claimed she may have been suffering from ‘depression’ when she headed to America. This was dismissed by friends. Others have claimed that Mrs Cole remains distraught that her marriage to Chelsea and England footballer Ashley Cole collapsed.

One U.S. TV source said: ‘She was like a little girl lost in America. It was as if she lost her mojo completely.’

The singer – who has in the past admitted to having once suffered ‘clinical depression’ – is believed to be holed up at a London flat with her mother Joan Callaghan.

Frustrated executives at ITV finally abandoned all attempts at a last-ditch deal on Sunday afternoon.

 

Within hours, it was confirmed that Tulisa Contostavlos – from pop band N-Dubz – was joining the show alongside Louis Walsh, U.S. pop star Kelly Rowland and Take That singer Gary Barlow.

An X Factor source revealed: ‘There was a Plan A we already had which we’re happy with and is a great team. It got to a point with Cheryl where we had to move on.

 

Happier times: Cheryl and Simon smile together on the judging panel of the X Factor in December 2009

 

‘It was her decision to go to the U.S. and it did not work out. The bottom line is the line-up we’ve got we are happy with.’

Last night, ITV and Syco issued a statement to confirm the quartet as the four judges. Auditions are due to start tomorrow.

Talking of the new judging panel, Cowell said: ‘These four are totally up for it, each of them brings a different attitude. They have had a ton of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star.

‘I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like.’

That public statement also signalled the end of Cowell and Mrs Cole’s professional relationship, which began when she joined the X Factor in 2008.

Even a month ago, he said of Mrs Cole: ‘She’s got a great ability to communicate. She’s a great judge. She’s smart. You meet someone special a few times in your life and this girl is special.’

Within days of that comment, Mrs Cole had surprisingly axed Hilary Shaw – her manager since 2005 – to hand control to Mr Adams, who has found worldwide fame with the Black Eyed Peas.

 

Is this panel some sort of joke?

 

Can X Factor become any more of a joke than it already is?:dozey:

Why the fuck does writing Kelly Rowland automatically create a link to Amazon for her music?

 

EDIT: It did in the post above.

Cheryl Cole's American dream back on? Singer 'invited to rejoin X Factor USA'

 

 

By Lara Gould

 

Last updated at 11:35 AM on 5th June 2011

 

Cheryl Cole was offered her job back on the X Factor USA last night – less than two weeks after being axed from the show.

The 27-year-old Girls Aloud singer and former judge on the British series was dropped amid claims that viewers couldn’t understand her Geordie accent and criticism of her performance on the panel.

But in a shock U-turn, Fox Television executives have given her a second chance after a personal intervention by X Factor supremo Simon Cowell.

 

Friends again? Simon Cowell has managed to convince Fox executives Cheryl Cole is right for X Factor USA

 

Last night it remained unclear whether she would accept the offer, with a source saying: ‘The ball is in her court.’

The US network and Cowell have been criticised after it emerged Fox’s President of Alternative Entertainment, Mike Darnell – dubbed

the Rumpelstiltskin of Reality TV because of his 5ft 2in height – ordered Miss Cole off the show after he watched footage of her on the panel last month.

Significantly, since then, neither Fox nor Cowell’s representatives have released a statement confirming that Miss Cole had been sacked.

If Miss Cole – who has not been seen in public since she was axed from the show – decides to accept the offer, she could be back on the panel when auditions resume in New Jersey this week.

 

Back in the line-up? Cole with X Factor USA judges Antonio 'L.A.' Reid, Paula Abdul and Cowell and co-hosts Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger

 

If she agrees to the move, it would see Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger – who was given Cheryl’s place on the panel after her sudden exit – relegated to her original role as co-host with British TV pre¬senter Steve Jones.

But there was speculation the offer could be a plot by the American TV network to stave off any legal claim that Miss Cole could make for compensation against her sacking.

 

She was expected to receive a £1.2million payout in compensation despite filming only four episodes of the £100million series. However, if she then chooses not to accept Fox’s offer, it could reduce any payment the network would have to pay out.

Last night a spokesman for Miss Cole did not return calls.

 

 

A judge or co-host? Cheryl's return will mean Scherzinger - who performed on Britain's Got Talent last night - will revert to presenting

 

 

Miss Cole, one of four judges on the panel alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul and record producer L. A. Reid, flew back to Britain two weeks ago.

No official explanation has yet emerged as to why Miss Cole was dropped and sources close to her said she was not told why.

 

However, Fox executives were said to have complained about the ‘lack of chemistry’ between her and fellow judge Miss Abdul and concerns were raised about Miss Cole’s accent.

She was also criticised for her fashion sense and hairstyle after she arrived for her first day on the panel in purple trousers, an orange top and a backcombed hairstyle which Simon Cowell later said looked as if it was created in a wind tunnel.

Last week, British television executives gave Miss Cole the chance to resume her place on the ITV show – but she declined their offer after failing to respond to a deadline set for midnight last Saturday.

A source close to Cowell said last night: ‘Simon is staying out of this now. He has offered an olive branch but he is leaving the decisions up to Fox and Freemantle, the production company.

 

New panel: Louis Walsh is joined by Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow at the Birmingham auditions of X Factor last week

 

‘Cheryl was offered the UK show because it was thought that would have made her happier. He just wants whatever is best for Cheryl.’

Her U.S. manager, Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am said last week: 'Cheryl always comes back stronger, and she always comes back bigger. Cheryl has been through rougher things than this, so this is going to be no problem for her.

'It's easy to imagine Simon as this one-man empire, but that's not the case.

'He has people he needs to answer to and sometimes his hands are tied. I can only tell you what I've seen first-hand, that's a guy who deeply cares for her.'

 

The latest development comes just a few days after it was confirmed Mrs Cole would not be returning to the original UK X Factor.

Instead Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland joined the only remaining judge Louis Walsh on the panel at the Birmingham auditions last week.

Walsh said he had spoken to Cole and she was doing 'fine'.

He said: 'I talked to Cheryl today - we’ve been texting all day and we’re having fun. I think she’s going to be fine.

'Listen, from her texts today she’s absolutely fine.'

Publicity stunt to get more stories about that show.

Why the fuck does writing Kelly Rowland automatically create a link to Amazon for her music?

 

EDIT: It did in the post above.

 

It's called "Skimlinks"

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76864

It's official: Cheryl is out (again) and Nicole Scherzinger IS replacing her on U.S. X Factor

 

 

By Andrea Magrath

 

Last updated at 7:56 PM on 6th June 2011

 

 

The ongoing saga of the U.S. X Factor judging panel may finally be over.

Show bosses have announced that Nicole Scherzinger will indeed be replacing Cheryl Cole.

It emerged over the weekend that Cole had been invited to return to her role after being fired a fortnight ago, but the 27-year-old has snubbed the offer, leaving the Pussycat Doll free to take her place.

 

Fox, FremantleMedia North America and Syco TV released a statement this afternoon announcing the news.

It read: 'Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of The X Factor.

 

'Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5million dollar recording deal.

 

 

A little R&R before getting to work: The Pussycat Doll was pictured cooling off ahead of Wednesday's auditions in New Jersey

 

'Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of The X Factor.'

Show bosses did an unexpected U-turn when they offered Cheryl her job back on Saturday.

 

She was given 24 hours to decide, but after previously knocking back a consolation-style offer of returning to her old post on the UK version, Cheryl now appears to be severing ties with the franchise.

 

 

She's got talent: Nicole, pictured performing on Britain's Got Talent last week, will be joining Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid following Cheryl's departure

 

Show sources were quick to point out that an official comment had never been released confirming Mrs Cole’s axing – and that her picture and biography had been kept up on the Fox X Factor website.

But friends of the Girls Aloud star believe their silence is part of Fox executives' plan to wriggle out of paying Cheryl out - as they were banking on her not turning up to the next auditions on Wednesday, making her in breach of contract.

 

But the singer is thought to have threatened to make public emails and text messages that prove she was indeed fired, the Daily Mirror claim.

 

Thanks but no thanks: Cheryl turned down Fox's offer to return to the U.S. version today

 

More heartache for Cheryl as Ashley is accused of a hat-trick of trysts

 

 

By Sara Nathan

 

Last updated at 10:17 PM on 15th July 2011

 

He has managed to win back Cheryl Cole, much to the dismay of many of her friends and family.

 

But Ashley Cole’s reunion with his ex-wife may not be as straightforward as he hoped.

 

At least three girls are set to claim they enjoyed recent liaisons with the Chelsea footballer around the time he was trying to woo Cheryl earlier this month, the Daily Mail has learned.

 

 

 

 

 

Snapped: Ashley Cole was pictured with a mystery brunette last month in LA - and certainly appeared to be relaxed in her company

 

 

At her 28th birthday party at the start of this month, Mrs Cole left onlookers in no doubt that she was back with the man whose string of alleged affairs ended their marriage.

 

The pair’s very public display of affection came only eight months after their divorce was finalised.

 

But it is now alleged that Cole, 30, was enjoying trysts with at least three women despite trying to win back his ex-wife at the same time.

 

One is believed to be a 29-year-old Virgin Atlantic air hostess, who has claimed she spent the night with Cole only a few weeks ago at a mansion he had hired in Beverly Hills.

 

Reunion: But it remains to be seen if Cheryl will be affected by the latest revelations

 

The pretty stewardess, who is British, is said to be ready to make her claims public and has contacted Max Clifford to help broker her story.

 

Cole had been holidaying in Los Angeles before flying to London to attend Cheryl’s party on July 1.

 

A source close to the air hostess said: ‘She was with Ashley a few times, the most recent was just a couple of weeks ago. Cheryl’s at her most vulnerable, and Ashley sees an opportunity to get her back.’

 

Another friend said: ‘She had no idea Ashley was in the process of getting back with Cheryl and was horrified when she found out. She would never have gone near him had she known. She feels really bad for Cheryl.’

 

The other two girls are believed to be bikini models who Cole met in Hollywood. Last night, Mr Clifford told the Mail: ‘In recent weeks, three girls have been in touch with me claiming to have had recent relationships with Ashley Cole.

 

They will be coming to see me and I’ll see if there is any evidence to back up these allegations.’

 

Mrs Cole, who was axed as a judge from the U.S. X Factor in May, has been in Los Angeles for the past week. Cole will this week join Chelsea on a pre-season tour of Asia.

 

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie, a close friend of Mrs Cole, told how the star had never wanted to divorce.

 

The pair married in 2006 but Mrs Cole finally filed for divorce in May last year after rumours he had had flings with at least five other women.

 

Speaking of their reconciliation, Fergie said: ‘It’s easy for people to say she’s crazy taking him back, but life isn’t as simple as that. She should go for it if that’s what she wants. She really loved him and didn’t want to get divorced, she just felt she had no choice.’

 

But she added: ‘The next chance will be Ashley’s last chance, there’s no doubt about that. Cheryl’s a lot stronger than she was two years ago. The relationship will be on her terms.’

 

Last night, a representative for Cole told the Mail: ‘My client was not in a relationship at this time.’