The X Factor | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul arrive to judge X Factor auditions held on Thursday (June 9) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The 32-year-old entertainer was named a judge earlier in the week. Nicole was originally slated to co-host the show with Steve Jones, but instead, she’ll replace Cheryl Cole on the judging panel.

Also pictured inside arriving for auditions is record executive and fellow X Factor judge L.A. Reid!

Simon Cowell rounds out the judging panel.

10+ pictures inside of the X Factor judges arriving for auditions in New Jersey…

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Simon Cowell is setting the record straight about Cheryl Cole‘s departure from The X Factor.

The 51-year-old music exec and X Factor judge told the AP that Cheryl‘s exit wasn’t due to a lack of chemistry – he just felt she would be happier back home in England.

“I hate seeing her hurt. She’s one of – I hope – she’s one of my closest friends, and this was a decision we made which we thought would be beneficial to her, funny enough. Not many people will believe that, but that’s the truth,” Simon said.

“She was good on the American show,” Simon added. “I personally thought she was missing her family and friends. She just looked a little bit, I wouldn’t say uncomfortable, but just not as happy as I’ve seen her on previous shows.”

Simon also said that he contacted Cheryl and took full responsibility for the decision. “She told me she wasn’t happy but that she also accepted it was a business decision and she wished the show well. Typically, in Cheryl form, she was disappointed but charming at the same time,” he explained.

Nicole Scherzinger is replacing Cheryl Cole as a judge on the American version of The X Factor, JustJared.com can confirm.

The 32-year-old entertainer was originally slated to co-host the show but will serve as a judge instead.

Here’s the official statement from Fox, FremantleMedia and Syco TV: “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 $5 million dollar recording deal. 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.”

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