Who's Who
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Simon Cowell (Judge)
Simon Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 200 million albums and delivering more than 180 No. 1 records. Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 launched the global singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut album sold over 8 million units in six weeks, making it the world’s biggest-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album in history and a total of 20 million records to date. In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporter’s Top 50 Most Powerful in Reality TV and Entertainment Weekly’s Top Entertainer of the Year.In 2010 Simon Cowell was awarded Variety International’s Humanitarian Award for his extensive charitable work, The Rose d’Or Golden Jubilee Award and BAFTA’s Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and development of new talent. He also appeared on Time Magazine’s list of Most Influential People in the World and was awarded the International Emmy Founders Award. Syco, with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. Syco Television owns and produces the BAFTA Award-winning THE X FACTOR, which has topped the charts around the world.
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Paula Abdul (Judge)
Paula Abdul is one of the most-recognized pop singers and choreographers in film, television, video, stage and live tours. Her celebrated work in choreography includes Emmy-winning contributions to “The Tracey Ullman Show” and Emmy-nominated choreography for the Academy Awards, as well as Abdul’s own performance on “The American Music Awards.”Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince. Abdul’s favorite memory is dancing alongside her idol, Gene Kelly, in a celebrated and acclaimed commercial campaign.
Abdul’s choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning “American Beauty,” working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in “Jerry Maguire” and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors.”
Abdul’s music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and two Kids’ Choice Awards. She has also been honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Hall of Fame. Abdul served as a judge alongside Simon Cowell for eight seasons on the hit series AMERICAN IDOL.
An acclaimed jewelry designer, Abdul introduced her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC to record-breaking sales. The collection consists of charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets in a mix of textures and metals, adorned with meaningful phrases. Abdul, who got her first break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl, continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country.
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Nicole Scherzinger (Judge)
[Originally, Scherzinger was cast as the show’s co-host along with Steve Jones. British pop singer and X Factor UK alum Cheryl Cole was hired to reprise her role at the judges’ table. But after only three weeks on the job, it became clear to Simon Cowell and “others” that Cole wasn’t going to work out in the US version. (The scuttlebutt is there was a “lack of chemistry” between Cole and Paula Abdul)
Cole was fired by FOX, but Cowell offered her her old job on X Factor UK, where she had been more comfortable. But the singer “snubbed” him; apparently angry over how the situation was handled. Simon wasn’t thrilled about it either. "But that's what you have to do when you produce – you have to make decisions in the moment, and I take full responsibility for it,” said Simon. (source).Scherzinger--who had temorarily filled in for Cheryl Cole once before on the UK show--became the new permanent judge on the US version, leaving the hosting duties soley to Steve Jones.
"I mean I'm not going to lie," Nicole said. "I cried when Simon told me because I felt that no matter where he had me on the show I was going to be of service and do the best that I could."
Nicole Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, HI, and grew up in Louisville, KY. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, performer and the former lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. Scherzinger was asked to join The Pussycat Dolls after appearing on the TV show “Popstars” as part of the group Eden’s Crush. The group’s debut album, “PCD,” went double-platinum in America, sold over 9 million copies worldwide and featured the hit songs “Don’t Cha,” “Buttons” and “Stickwitu.”
Following the success of “PCD,” Scherzinger recorded a series of duets and guest vocal appearances with P. Diddy, 50 Cent, Timbaland and Vittorio. The second Pussycat Dolls album “Doll Domination,” has sold over 5 million copies to date and contains the hits “When I Grow Up” and “I Hate This Part.” In 2009, Scherzinger wrote and recorded an adaptation of A.R. Rahman’s “Jai Ho” (from the film “Slumdog Millionaire”), which went to No. 1 in 17 countries.
Recently, Scherzinger won the 10th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and starred in “Rent” at the Hollywood Bowl. Scherzinger is scheduled to release her debut album “Killer Love.” The first single “Right There” (featuring 50 Cent) is available digitally on May 17th, in advance of the album release this summer.
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L.A. Reid (Judge)
Antonio "L.A." Reid, former Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group and one of the most influential names in music today, will join Simon Cowell on the judging panel of THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX.Throughout his career, Reid has launched some of the biggest acts in music, including Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Pink, Usher, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. With a diverse roster of talent, 33 No. 1 hits and three Grammy Awards, Reid is one of the industry's most respected and successful executives, as well as one of the most talented, creative and formidable forces in music.
"I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon Cowell, one of the world's most gifted and charismatic talent magnets," said Reid. "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."
"L.A. was my number one choice to sit alongside me on the show. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest-ever music executives and - of course - a fantastic writer and producer. I am thrilled he has agreed to join the show, and for any artist auditioning, they know they have the chance to meet a true star-maker," said Cowell.
"L.A. Reid is one of the most celebrated music producers and songwriters of our time and knows exactly what it takes to find and nurture a global superstar," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "Not only does he have an insanely good eye for talent, but he also has the personality and savvy to go toe-to-toe with Simon Cowell, so I can't wait to see those two music moguls together at THE X FACTOR judges' table."
"L.A. Reid's renowned expertise in recognizing, producing and marketing musical talent is synonymous with some of the most successful recording artists in the history of modern music," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "I am thrilled to have him judging on THE X FACTOR, and look forward to seeing him apply his amazing experience and track record in the mentoring of one of our categories."
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Steve Jones (Host)
Steve Jones is a Welsh television presenter, model and actor.He has hosted a variety of shows in the UK (see his wikipedia bio). Hosting The X Factor is his first television gig in the States.