The X Factor US

Heat magazine today reports that Cheryl Cole may have reconciled with her ex-husband Ashley Cole after it was reported that the couple have been “meeting in secret” for months.

The pair were also spotted together at Ashley’s mother’s home on April 24, further fuelling rumours of a reunion between the couple.

A source told Heat, “There is a sort of unspoken understanding between Cheryl and Ashley’s mutual friends that a reconciliation is well under way.

“They’ve been in constant contact and have met up regularly. “Cheryl’s visit to Sue’s house was a big sign that she and Ashley are moving ever closer to a public reunion.”

The couple divorced last September after allegations that Ashley had been repeatedly unfaithful to Cheryl, however, since then, Cheryl has started wearing her engagement ring again.

And of Cheryl’s move to America to serve as a judge on The X Factor USA, a friend of Ashley’s told the magazine, “Ashley doesn’t want her to go…

“He thinks it might ruin their chances of working things out, but Cheryl thinks it could work in their favour.

“No-one knows their past in the States. It could be a fresh start. “For American TV stars, image is everything.

“It remains to be seen how her team of advisors will take the news of her plan to reunite with her cheating ex-husband.

“You never go into marriage wanting to divorce, however the divorce was necessary for Cheryl’s image.

“Although she loved Ashley, she knew that it had to end if she was to continue her role as the nation’s sweetheart.”

After it was officially announced yesterday that Cheryl Cole would be on the judging panel of the first year of The X Factor USA, she told The Sun that she’s “so excited” abut her new role.

She said, “I’m so excited. I absolutely love finding new talent and helping them grow, so this is very exciting for me to take part in.

“It’s going be very different for me from our British version just because America is so huge and the age range on X Factor is going to open it up to age 12 to age 80.

“But talent is talent no matter where in the world you’re from.

“That’s one of the special things about it. Talent doesn’t have a class or an accent or a country, it’s a gift – and I love finding that in people.”

Cheryl will start work on the show this Sunday when the first auditions in front of judges are filmed in Los Angeles.

On the subject of fears her Geordie accent could be hard for Americans to understand, Cheryl said, “So far I have only ever been complimented on my accent.

“Americans are always really sweet about my accent and seem to find it intriguing, which I think is quite funny.”

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment at Fox, said: “Cheryl Cole has the whole X Factor package.

“She’s an incredibly talented artist, as well as a style icon, and she has that special charisma.”

And Simon Cowell added, “I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show and has been fantastic to work with. She is also a complete brat!

“Most importantly, this girl can spot talent.”

It’s expected that Paula Abdul will soon be announced as the fourth X Factor USA judge.

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The news everyone’s been expecting has just been made official; Cheryl Cole WILL be a judge on the first ever X Factor USA alongside Simon Cowell and Antonio ‘LA’ Reid.

In a press release about the announcement, Cheryl 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.

“I just can’t decide whether I am more excited to find and nurture the talent or for the unbelievable amount of amusement and entertainment I will have watching Simon doing everything and anything he can to beat me.

“He’s tried to beat me for three years in the UK, and hasn’t even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this.”

Simon added, “I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show, and has been fantastic to work with. She is also a complete brat!

“Most importantly, this girl can spot talent.”

Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, said, “Cheryl Cole has the whole The X Factor package…

“She’s an incredibly talented artist and performer, as well as a style icon, and she has that special charisma that draws in fans around the world.

“Cheryl’s charm and chemistry with Simon have been a key part of the overwhelming success of The X Factor in the UK, and we can’t wait to welcome her to the US on our air.”

And the show’s executive producer, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, remarked, “As a young artist whose talent show discovery led to almost immediate stardom, Cheryl’s career exemplifies the promise of The X Factor.

“Her empathy and passion for identifying and nurturing undiscovered talent has made her a huge hit with British audiences, and I have no doubt America will fall in love with her beauty, her accent and her incredible chemistry with Simon Cowell.”

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X Factor line-up to be finalised by end of week

Simon Cowell has confirmed that the line-up for the US version of The X Factor will be finalised by the end of the week in order to begin filming.

Simon Cowell has confirmed that the judging and hosting line-up for the new US version of The X Factor will be finalised by the end of this week.

Cowell confirmed the news at the launch of his new gameshow Red or Black, telling the press that the line-up will be confirmed this week to begin filming.

“I can’t confirm the lineup. I’ll be [filming] on Friday, so at the moment it will just be me,” Cowell said.

When asked if the rest of the judges will be finalised by the end of the week, he said: “We have to… yes.”

He added: “We’re all up for this. We’re all hyped up. We want to make ‘big event’ talked about shows. I think things have got a bit drab and boring. The X Factor and Red or Black will be something for you to write about and for people to get excited about. That’s what we do. We’re going to give it a go. And as a British company, we’re very excited about taking these shows all around the world.”

Source: Digital Spy

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aula Abdul may be close to bagging herself a role on the new US version of The X Factor.

The former American Idol judge is said to be a frontrunner to land the job and Simon Cowell says he believes she has “got a really good shot”.

“I’ve always wanted Paula – always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain,” Cowell said in an interview with Deadline.

“And I’ve been consistent about this. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her.

“I think there’s a good chance it will be her. We’ve agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we’re reaching the deadline we’ve got to make the decision soon. But I think she’s got a really good shot.” 

Source: Digital Spy