Panel in Place for U.S. X Factor

LOS ANGELES: Paula Abdul has been tapped to fill the fourth and final spot on the panel for the U.S. version of The X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell, music producer Antonio "L.A." Reid and British pop star Cheryl Cole.

"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this—I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show," said Cowell.

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show," commented Abdul. "I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey—we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

"Paula is not only the lovely, nurturing person that America fell in love with, but she’s also one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen—which makes her a perfect fit to judge The X Factor," said Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Company. "Paula and Simon have undeniable chemistry, and together with L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole, I think we’ve put together an incredibly entertaining judges’ panel."

"I’m thrilled to be working with Paula again," added executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "A consummate entertainer in her own right, she has an extraordinary talent and generosity for nurturing performers—and her chemistry with Simon Cowell is like no other. I especially look forward to seeing her signature sensibilities in action during our mentoring rounds!"

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger will serve as host, along with Steve Jones, former T4 presenter. The show is set to debut this fall, with auditions already under way.

"These two are going to be great together," remarked Cowell of the co-hosts. "I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star. Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the U.K. X Factor last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented."

"I am thrilled to be asked by Simon Cowell to host The X Factor," said Scherzinger. "I loved working alongside Simon on the U.K. show, and cannot wait to see what he has in store for the U.S. I’m so excited to work with Steve Jones and help discover astounding talent from across the country!"

"I couldn’t be happier to be coming onto The X Factor," commented Jones. "The ability to work day in and day out with Simon Cowell is a dream come true. I am honored to have that opportunity and thrilled to be able to share the stage with Nicole Scherzinger, whom I adore. I have been approached about working in the States before, but never felt right about those opportunities. But when The X Factor came up, I lept at the opportunity."

"Nicole is a triple-threat performer who knows how to captivate an audience, and Steve is an accomplished presenter whose original sense of humor has charmed viewers worldwide. Both possess the unique combination of personality and credibility that we were looking for in our hosts," Darnell continued. "They’re incredibly charismatic, undeniably gorgeous, and fantastic entertainers in their own right."

"A student of the performing arts since childhood, Nicole Scherzinger is a talent tour de force whose track record spans many creative genres, while Steve Jones is a multi-talented U.K. personality with consummate hosting skills and a signature charm, humor and style that is all his own," Frot-Coutaz added. "I’m very pleased to have them both on board The X Factor, where their respective experiences will bring a special and authentic chemistry to their roles as co-hosts."