Paula Abdul Reunites with Simon Cowell on X-Factor US
Paula Abdul has inked the deal last Friday after a long time of wooing from the show’s creator Simon Cowell.
“I’ve always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that,” said Simon. “I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain.”
Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell have worked together on American Idol for 8 years. Although their relationship as co-judges of the show is touted as dysfunctional, they missed each other after Paula left Idol and thrilled that they will be reunited as judges again on the new show.
“I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” said Paula Abdul.
“I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey – we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!” she added.
Aside from Simon and Paula, L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole complete the judges panel of X Factor USA, while Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger will serve as hosts.
X Factor differs from Idol in numerous ways. The competition is open to both solo artists and groups, has no upper age limit, and the judges act as mentors to the final contestants. Each judge is assigned a category—girls under 25, boys under 25, individuals over 25, and groups—that they place the finalists in after the audition process. Through the live shows, the judges act as mentors to the contestants helping decide song choices and styling, while judging contestants from other categories.
X Factor USA is scheduled to premiere this September.
Image courtesy of Houston Style Magazine