Nicole Scherzinger Replaces Cheryl Cole as 'X Factor' Judge

Nicole Scherzinger has moved from hosting duties to the judges’ panel. In a surprise announcement, the former Pussycat Doll has replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge on Fox’s upcoming show “The X Factor.”

TMZ reports that the British singer will no longer be a judge on Simon Cowell’s singing competition this fall, and Nicole will take over her duties.

It’s currently unclear why Cole left, but the shift only recently happened. Taping on the show began earlier this month with Nicole as co-host alongside Steve Jones. She will now join Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and L.A. Reid on the judges’ panel.

Nicole previously told staging-rapup.kinsta.cloud that there were discussions to have her judge, but she felt more comfortable hosting. “There were talks going back and forth, but—I’m actually happy they asked me to host because for me, the reason I’m doing it is because this is what I love and this is what I know and this is what I’m passionate about,” she said.

Do you think this is a good move? Let us know.