Just days after it was officially announced that Nicole Scherzinger has replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge on the US version of The X Factor, we get to see new photos and video of the newly assembled X Factor judging panel hard at work on the show. The X Factor made its way to New Jersey this week for auditions and provided Nicole her first opportunity to sit in the judges chair next to Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Antonio L.A. Reid. Click below to check out the photos and video from Nicole‘s first day playing with the “big kids”.

Yesterday we learned officially that Cheryl Cole will NOT be judging the US version of The X Factor and will be replaced by former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger. Today we are hearing from Simon Cowell, the man in charge, about the decision to axe Cheryl from the show. Simon is apologizing for the “anguish and embarrassment” that this incident has caused Cheryl Cole but he insists he was only trying to protect her … or some nonsense like that. Read on to hear what Simon Cowell has to say about Cheryl Cole‘s elimination from The X Factor.

Yesterday we learned the “official” news that Paula Abdul signed on to be the 4th judge on the US version of the music competition show The X Factor and today we not only get to read the official official press release announcement about Paula‘s casting but we also get to see the first photos of the X Factor judges — all of them — showing up for the first round of auditions for the show here in SoCal yesterday afternoon. As you can see from the photos below, ti was a happy reunion for Simon and Paula … she was so happy to be working with Simon again that she couldn’t even keep her hands, lips and legs off of him.

In March we learned that producer L.A. Reid had signed on to be one of the judges of the US version of The X Factor and earlier this month we learned that UK X Factor judge and popstar Cheryl Cole will reportedly be coming on board to judge the US version of the show as well. Today, in a new interview, we learn from X Factor creator/judge Simon Cowell himself that the former American Idol judge Paula Abdul will round out the judging panel as the final judge … that is if he gets his way. Apparently, the contract negotiations aren’t yet completed … but Simon wants Paula on X Factor and what Simon wants, he usually gets.

And so … America picks a new American Idol to reign over the landscape of competitive reality TV musicdom. Last night, the latest season of American Idol came to a close in a lavish finale episode that featured a host of big name musical acts, a tearful goodbye to the show’s meanest judge and — of course — the revelation of America’s pick for this year’s Idol. Here are a few photos of some of the big name musical acts who performed during last night’s finale ep:

While I am not a huge fan of the show itself, even I have to admit that American Idol puts on some of the most entertaining finale episodes on TV these days. Last night’s ep featured performances by Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Alanis Morissette, Bret Michaels, Carrie Underwood (herself a former AI winner) and more! It was deff worth tuning in just to see these pop stars pay homage to America’s biggest musical popularity contest. But, of course, the entire night lead up to the big announcement. In the end, there were 2 contestants left … Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze. But only one of them could be named this year’s American Idol. And the winner is …

Simon Cowell has just announced that he will be quitting his judging duties on American Idol at the close of this upcoming season. Never fear, tho, Cowell won’t be going far. He is bringing his AI-like show The X Factor to the US (which will also air on Fox) and will be acting as judge on that show instead:

Simon Cowell says that this will be his last season on “American Idol.” The cantankerous judge said that “The X Factor,” a show he created and is a hit in Britain, will join Fox’s schedule next year. Cowell will be on “The X Factor.” Cowell’s decision is the biggest threat yet to what has been the country’s most popular TV program and a true cultural force. This season, original host Paula Abdul has been replaced by Ellen DeGeneres. But Cowell, with his caustic commentary, has long been seen as the big star of “Idol.” Cowell said it would have been difficult for him to do both shows. While he makes a reported $36 million a year to be on “American Idol,” he owns “The X Factor” and could make much more if the show takes off.

Is this the beginning of the end for American Idol? Could be, especially if The X Factor is able to step in and steal all the ratings just because it’s newer. After the jump, read the just released press release announcing The X Factor‘s debut on US TV next year …

Back in August we saw photos of Victoria Beckham‘s arrival in Denver, CO to play guest judge during auditions there for the next season of American Idol which will premiere on Fox next Tuesday at 8pm. Today we get our first look at VB in the judge’s seat with temporary compatriots Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell in a new AI promo pic released by Fox, in addition we get to hear her thoughts on her stint as guest judge:

Victoria Beckham will join the American Idol judges’ panel when the show takes the talent search to Boston for its season premiere, airing Tuesday (8 p.m. EST) on FOX. The former Spice Girl will return for the Denver auditions, airing Feb. 2. “It was very exciting to be asked to do Idol,” Beckham says. “[My husband] David and the boys are all big fans of the show. It was a real privilege to be a part of something so huge!” As for working with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, Beckham says, “Everybody was very nice. I’ve known Simon for many years. Kara and Randy were very sweet. I have a lot of respect for them all as individuals and together they are a great team. I enjoyed working with and getting to know Kara — she’s a real girl’s girl, like me. We went for dinner and she seems like a genuinely nice, down-to earth-girl. I felt each of the four of us brought a different role to the auditions and we complemented each other.” For her own judging style, Beckham says, “I believe in constructive criticism and I am a very positive person, so I always tried to find something good and helpful to focus on, be it someone’s singing, their looks or their overall style. Having been a performer, I know how difficult it is to be that person standing there being judged. I didn’t want to trample on people’s dreams.” Specifically, Beckham says, aside from strong pipes, “I wanted an overall look. For me, image is important as that helps sell records. I wouldn’t judge someone just on their looks alone, or what they were wearing; it takes the whole package of vocal, personality and a personal style.” She was even touched by some of the performances she witnessed. “There was one girl in Denver,” Beckham says. “She brought her niece along to her audition as the family didn’t have childcare. She was beautiful, well-dressed and she could really, really sing. She had a real aura and star quality.” But for every great singer, “there were plenty of break-out laughing moments,” Beckham admits. “You can’t help but laugh. It’s a joyous, natural reaction. And whilst you don’t want to appear rude or upset anybody, people and their comedy moments are just as important as the really talented singers are, because they make great TV!” So does sparring verbally with Simon. “Yes, I can give as good as I get,” Beckham says. “I have a dry sense of humor which worked very well alongside his acerbic wit and I really enjoyed working with Simon. I enjoyed the banter we created and the fact that we could laugh together — most of the time!”

Interesting, VB‘s first day of judging AI was in Denver, CO … it was a few days later that she showed up in Boston, MA for her second day of judging … Fox is airing the eps out of order. But, no matter, it’s all the same I suppose. While I don’t watch American Idol with any regularity at all, I am curious to see Vicki B. in action on the show. Of the guest judges, she’s the one I’m most interested in seeing in action. I’m anxious to hear her “give as good as she gets”. The new season of AI premieres on Fox on Tuesday night at 8pm … I suppose I’ll begrudgingly be tuning in.

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Paula Abdul announced on her official Twitter profile last night that she will NOT be returning to the ratings hit reality series American Idol after WEEKS of public speculation about the terms of her contract with the show . In a string of announcement tweets last night, Paula broke the news that she is parting ways with the show … presumably after she and FOX (the network that produces the show) could not come to terms on her contract. FOX, for their part, released a statement wishing her “well” and squarely place the blame of her departure from the show on her shoulders. HMMM … there is something rotten, methinks, in the state of Denmark. Here are all of Paula‘s tweets and the story about the whole sorry mess:

From Paula: With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL … I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon … What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me … It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month … I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.

From People: Abdul — out! Ending speculation about her future on one of the most popular shows on television, Paula Abdul confirmed Tuesday she will no longer be at the judge’s table on American Idol … No reason was given for her departure just two days before she was to return to work. Abdul’s rep declined to comment except to confirm she was leaving. The highly rated show is about to begin taping segments for its ninth season, with auditions starting Thursday in Denver. The show returns on the air in January. “Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show,” FOX TV says in a statement. “While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.” The announcement comes shortly after her manager angrily said there was no contract on the table and that “sadly” it didn’t appear she would be returning. Her previous contract ended after the eighth season. Her departure now returns the number of judges to three, with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson joined by Kara DioGuardi, who was just confirmed to be returning.

This is absolutely infuriating. I KNEW from the moment that AI thought it best to add a fourth judge, another female judge, that the time was running out for Paula Abdul on American Idol. I find it extremely difficult to believe that Paula just decided to quit this high profile job. There has to be more to the story. To be honest, I don’t watch the show … but when I did, I tuned in for Paula Abdul. She is a shining light of hope, optimism and joy on that wretched show. While Simon Cowell is tearing people down and Randy Jackson is saying Yo Dawg, yo dawg, yo dawg, Paula was cheering every contestant to victory. This development is a huge disappointment.

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Britney Spears wrapped up her mini-European promo tour ahead of the release of her new album Circus (due out in stores on Tuesday December 2) by performing on the UK competitive reality program X-Factor on live TV last night — giving the program it’s highest ratings ever, pulling in 12.8 million viewers! Even tho Britney turned in the same routine that she gave in Germany and in France, there were small amendments to the routine and more life in this latest performance (I thought) than the previous two performances. Here are a few pics of Britney (lookin’ smokin’, I might add) on the X-Factor stage last night:

Britney Spears sang her latest hit on the X Factor stage during her first UK television performance in over four years. The pop singer, who turns 27 on Tuesday, mimed her way through her latest single Womanizer after the five remaining finalists each covered a classic Britney track. Spears, who was dressed all in black, with hotpants, fishnet tights and knee-high boots, did not coach the show’s contestants, as previous guests have done. It has been reported Spears travelled with a 45-strong entourage of stylists and security. And reports claimed she is said to have banned contestants and judges from approaching her. But the judging panel gave her a standing ovation along with an excited crowd. On Monday, she releases her sixth studio album Circus, and has been on a whistle-stop tour of Europe to promote the record. Earlier, Alexandra Burke, who sang Toxic, said: “When I was nine, Britney brought out Baby One More Time, and I loved her. I’m very excited about meeting her. This is the Britney we all know and love. I hope I can do my Britney song justice, with my own twist.” Eoghan Quigg performed Sometimes, Ruth Lorenzo – who was later voted off the reality show – sang I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Diana Vickers sang I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman and JLS took on Baby One More Time.

For me, the folks making such a big deal of Britney lip-syncing (“miming”) are missing the point — and none of this criticism is new. Even at the height of her fame, critics felt it necessary to try and demean her performances by making a point of the lip-syncing. She is a performer, not really a singer … she has always been this way. I, for one, do not mind it at all. I find when critics attack her for the lip-syncing it’s because they’ve run out of other things to complain about … it means that things have finally gotten back to normal ;) Regarding this performance, I felt that she offered the most vim and vigor of all the performances she put on this week. Even tho she wore the same outfit that she wore in Germany, I think she looked the best on X-Factor than on the other two shows. The rolling steel cage ball was taken out of the performance and made it feel more like a dance routine than a “spectacle” — I liked it. At the end, Britney got a standing ovation from the crowd and from the judges. The girl is not trying to reinvent the wheel … slowly and steadily, she is working towards getting back to her comfort zone. I think she is handling it all very well. After the jump, check out a backstage photo of Britney with the X-Factor judges, a few photos of Britney making her exit from the venue and video of her performance in full …

The judges of American Idol, including the newest 4th judge Kara DioGuardi who was announced as the show’s newest addition this past Monday, were all on hand in NYC yesterday for contestant auditions for the upcoming 8th season. Naturally, everyone was all smiles for the cameras with each of the previous judges offering assurances that all is well on AI and that everyone is happy/excited/thrilled/elated/etc. to welcome Kara as the newest judge:

Newly selected American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi may have met America’s most famous judges a few days ago but her colleagues say she is already part of the family. “It’s already a big happy family,” Abdul said Tuesday at the American Idol season 8 auditions held in New York. “We are so happy to have her.” In fact, DioGuardi has already had quality bonding time with all three judges, says Simon Cowell. “We had a picnic last night. I wore jammies and the girls wore negligees and we kind of broke the ice,” Cowell joked. “We had cake until two in the morning.” Joking aside, DioGuardi says the judges have welcomed her with open arms–yes, even Simon. “You were nice to me,” DioGuardi said to Cowell on the red carpet about their initial meeting. “You were actually OK.” However, DioGuardi admits it was initially intimidating to join the judges’ panel, especially due to Cowell’s notorious reputation for being Idol’s resident meanie. “I was a little bit,” DioGuardi confessed, “but I’m going to hold my own” … “We can try to gang up against the guys,” said Abdul. “I know Kara well and she speaks her mind.” In fact the pop singer knows DioGuardi very well–the two were once roommates in the late ’90s. “She quit her job and moved out to L.A. and she lived with me for a while,” Abdul told PEOPLE of her old friend. “We had a great time. She’s a great girl.”

Yeah, I still don’t get it … as I said, I’m sure this Kara chick is very talented but her addition does NOTHING to inspire me to tune in to start watching the show … in the least. Tho … I’m worried for Paula Abdul. She better watch her back.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]