FOX Confirms L.A. Reid as X Factor Judge (Update: Female Judges Could Be Announced Monday)

UPDATE: Simon Cowell tells EW that one or possibly two female judges could be announced Monday. Paula Abdul is still in the mix

“Right now, there’s one person who we have a financial deal with, but now we have some issues over their dates, ” he says. While talking about the vibe of The X Factor, he interestingly brought up his former American Idol table-mate Paula Abdul. “I’m not saying that Paula’s definitely got the gig, because we don’t know what’s going to happen, ” he says, “but part of the fun of Idol when it first started was that it didn’t take itself too seriously.”

On hiring L.A. Reid, Simon says, ““Taking it back to basics, since we were making the point that the whole idea of the show is that we’re trying to find a star, my first thought was, I’ve got to have the No. 1 hit maker in the world on the show…This went to the wire, to be honest with you, because Universal were keen to keep him.”

The rumors have been confirmed. Fox announced today that producer and record exec,   L.A. Reid, will join X Factor US as a judge. L.A. Reid just resigned as chairman of Def Jam records yesterday, presumably to take on his new gig.

Reid has had a hand in the careers of artists such as Pink, Avril Lavigne, Mariah Carey, Usher and Justin Bieber.  According to Deadline, Enrique Iglesias has been approached to host.

Check out the back-patting quotes!

“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 in a statement. “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, ” says Simon 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.”

About mj santilli 34831 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!