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

By Lizzie Smith


Cole's strong Geordie accent cited as a reason

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


Cheryl Cole has been sacked from the U.S. version of the X Factor and replaced by former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, it has been claimed.

Scherzinger will now sit in the British singer's place on the judging panel, alongside Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul, reportsU.S. website TMZ.

The 32-year-old had been due to co-host the show with British presenter Steve Jones when it launches in September.


Despite her success in Europe with her band Girls Aloud, Cole, 27, remains an unknown in the U.S.

Reports blamed her strong Geordie accent for her dismissal, saying it had proved impossible for the American audience to decipher.

Cole has already sat in on auditions in Los Angeles and Chicago, telling the audience 'You might have to bear with me on the accent.'

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


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.'

Although Cheryl had secured a £1.2million-a-year contract to appear on the U.S. X Factor, producers included a get-out clause so they could drop her after the first series if she failed to win over viewers.

The news will come as a blow to Cole, who had hinted she was considering making the U.S. her permanent home following her high-profile divorce from footballer Ashley Cole last year.

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


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

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.'

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


This will not be the first time Scherzinger, the girlfriend of British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, 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?’

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



source:dailymail