The X Factor: Cheryl Cole vs. Nicole Scherzinger

Cheryl Cole, who was personally selected by Simon Cowell to join X Factor’s American jury, has reportedly been fired from the show. The British musician was replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, originally recruited to co-host the show with Steve Jones.

“It hasn’t worked out,” a source said. “She’s homesick and wants to return to the U.K. She’s had enough. Whether she ends up back on U.K. X Factor is open to speculation.”

Nicole will join Simon Cowell, Antonio “LA” Reid and Paula Abdul on the jury.

According to TMZ, the producers didn’t like Cheryl Cole’s British accent, which they considered too difficult to understand for an American audience. Producers have therefore preferred to sack the singer.

A source commented on Cole’s reaction to the news: “She isn’t on the show anymore. Everyone is gobsmacked. This came out of nowhere. She had already been tested countless times. Simon had nothing to do with it. This is the network’s doing.”

The other element that explains this choice is the lack of chemistry between Cheryl Cole and Paula Abdul, the other woman on the panel of jurors. The information is not yet officially confirmed, but changes will be made to the American jury.

Dannii Minogue, who was Cole’s former fellow The X Factor U.K. judge, tweeted her support: “Judging roles should come with a life jacket, drop down oxygen and a life raft!”

Russell Brand also expressed his surprise at the news on a British TV show Thursday: “Our Cheryl, kicked off X Factor? Oh no! She’s Britain’s sweetheart.”

Cheryl is said to be “royally p****d off” and plans to severe all ties with the show.

The X Factor will be aired on Fox starting in September.

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