After just three seasons the U.S version of the X Factor has been cancelled by Fox. The cancellation really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise seeing as the show has had less than stellar ratings throughout its three year run. Probably not helping its ratings and its chances of being picked up for another season where the constant shake-ups to the judging panel. Now that the U.S version is over, Simon Cowell is set to return to the U.K version after 3 years. In a statement about the cancellation Cowell said; “I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol. And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!). Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of The X Factor in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the U.K. and I want to thank Fox for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon!”
X Factor’s New Judges
Sources close to the show have confirmed to E! News that former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and Mexican singer Paulina Rubio are in final talks to join The X Factor. Fox is not commenting on the news but it seems likely to be true as the new season of the reality singing competition is set to begin auditions tomorrow in Charleston, N.C. Assuming the deals are finalized as expected, Rowland and Rubio will fill the seats left empty by Britney Spears and L.A. Reid. Sources have also dished that Fox is moving away from casting megastars like Britney Spears in favor of somewhat lesser-known artists who already have experience on similar series. Rowland served as a judge on the eighth season of the UK version of The X Factor, and Rubio served as a judge on La Voz…Mexico. She also has been tapped as a judge for Telemundo’s La Voz Kids. Specifically a source close to the show said “Rowland was on the highest-rated UK season. We have a lot of faith in her as a judge.”
X Factor Season 3 Hosting Shakeup
Looks like the X Factor may be down a co-host for its upcoming third season. Fox announced today that Mario Lopez will return next season but Khloe Kardashian Odom is out. A spokesperson and sources for the reality singing competition have explained there is do drama behind Khloe’s exit; “We really enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Everyone on the show had a great relationship with her and thought she was fun to work with.” Sources on the other hand state no decisions have yet to be made about replacements. About Lopez’s return Simon Cowell said; “I’m thrilled Mario is back for Season Three of The X Factor. Hosting a live show and keeping the judges—especially Demi—in line, is not an easy job, but Mario is a pro and we are glad he’s coming back.” And Mario made this statement himself; “I’m looking forward to returning to The X Factor team. We’re coming back stronger and better than ever and I’m excited to check out all the new talent.”
America’s Got Talent Gets Another New Judge
NBC has officially confirmed today that Heidi Klum will be joining Mel B and veteran judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel for the upcoming eighth season of America’s Got Talent. Rumors began circulating on Sunday that Klum was a judge on the show after TMZ posted an on-set photo of Got Talent filming in New Orleans. The pic showed the name “Heidi” above one of the judging chairs, along with Mandel, Stern and Mel B labeled on the other seats. In a statement after the network’s confirmation Klum said; “America’s Got some serious Talent! I’m really excited to join the panel of AGT to see it all—from the ridiculous to the fantastic! I love the surprise element of the show and not knowing what we’ll see next and who will wow us. I’m also looking forward to spending time with my fellow judges—Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, and Mel B!”
Girl Meets World Casting News
Girl Meets World, Disney Channel’s spin-off of Boy Meets World has officially cast Cory and Topanga’s daughter. Entertainment Weekly first reported that 11 year old Rowan Blanchard has landed the role of Riley after a national casting search. Blanchard’s previous credits include The Back-up Plan and Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D. The pilot to Girl Meets World was just officially picked up by the network and is set to begin shooting in February. Michael Jacob’s, the shows executive producer told EW; “As soon as Rowan walked into the room, I was reminded of why Ben Savage was loved as Cory Matthews. Rowan is real and accessible and I am hopeful this girl is about to meet a world that will love growing up with her as well.”
Britney Spears Leaving X-Factor
Looks like the X-Factor will need to find two more replacements at the judge’s table for the next season of the reality singing competition. News reports state Spears herself decided to leave the show before she was let go in order to get back to focusing on her music career and her upcoming eighth studio album. Either way Simon Cowell should be pleased as it is rumored that he was displeased with Spears’ lackluster critiques at the judge’s table, calling her “boring.” No word yet on who will be taking Spears’ place or Reid’s for that matter Fox and the show’s producers haven’t made an official announcement about her exit but there is still plenty of time to find the new judges.
L.A. Reid Leaving X-Factor
Looks like the reality singing show is in need once again to look for a replacement judge. News broke yesterday that L.A. Reid would not be returning to the X-Factor next year leaving Simon Cowell as the only original judge left. In an interview with Access Hollywood, the record exec said; “I have to go back and, I have a company to run that I’ve kind of neglected and it saddens me a little bit but only a little bit. It was a nice break, it was a nice departure from what I’ve done for the past 20 years, but now I gotta go back to work.” Reid said his move has nothing to do with his relationship with Cowell, who he frequently bickers with on camera. “I love Simon. We have a great relationship, we have fun together, we talk, we laugh, we do bad things, we’re friends. I owe so much to Simon. I really have a lot [of] respect for him and I always will. I support him, I support the show and I’ll always be in business with him.” But before he leaves, Reid still has a shot at a winning season. Though initially not very thrilled to learn he would be mentoring the “over-25s” Reid’s remaining act Tate Stevens has a good shot at winning the competition at the final next week.
