L.A. Reid | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Island Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid will be one of four judges on the reality competition series, The X-Factor, according to THR.

Reid will be released early from his Universal Music contract so that he can participate in Simon Cowell‘s show. The winner will receive a Sony Music recording contract worth $5 million – Reid will reportedly take on a position at Sony Music as well.

Enrique Iglesias reportedly was approached to host The X-Factor, which kicks off auditions March 27 in Los Angeles!

UPDATE: L.A. released a statement, saying, “I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon Cowell, one of the world’s most gifted and charismatic talent magnets. The X Factor provides an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring artists of every age and genre to showcase their unique talents. I truly look forward to discovering our next generation of superstars.”

Mariah Carey gets the support of Def Jam boss L.A. Reid at the listening party for her new holiday album, Merry Christmas II You, at NYC’s Lincoln Center on Wednesday (October 20).

The 40-year-old songstress hasn’t confirmed her pregnancy (she’s superstitious) but she definitely was glowing and wearing a maternity dress. You can watch video of Mariah talking from last night’s event below!

Mariah, who thanked collaborators Randy Jackson, Jermaine Dupri, and Broadway composer Marc Shaiman, also has a Christmas TV special coming up on December 12th. “Mariah loves Christmas,” L.A. said. “She goes all out.” Stay tuned!

And if you missed it, here’s JustJared.com‘s early review of Merry Christmas II You. The album’s out November 2!

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