Shake Up at the X-Factor

As you may have already heard, there has been a huge shake up at the already shaky X-Factor. First we heard about host Steve Jones not coming back. Apparently, he was let go after a dismal season as he tweeted that he was disappointed by the news calling his departure a “shame” but adding that he couldn’t complain, that he “had a great time.” Mr. Jones, although probably a lovely person, didn’t really set the bar real high on the high drama impact the show was looking for and he paid the price for it. I guess Ryan Seacrest has trail blazed the role of host at this point that everyone must meet. I for one thought Mr. Jones was a bit boring myself.

Then came the news that Nicole Scherzinger wasn’t coming back as well. According to Nicole, not coming back was her choice. Nicole was originally cast as a duel host with Jones, but took the judges seat when Simon Cowell decided to axe Cheryl Cole as judge. (Many saw this as mistake number one.) Nicole quit the show (with Cowell’s blessing) to focus more on her music career. She says that the X Factor took much more time than she thought it would, filming 6 days a week, which didn’t leave room for her own career. It does make me wonder if she was asked to leave and was given the opportunity to do it gracefully. It’s all very coincidentally, everyone at once. There are sources that say she wasn’t renewed either, so I guess this is her excuse. For those of us who watched the show, it’s not hard to remember her being “boo’d” off the stage for her decision on Rachel Crowe, paving the way for Crowe’s departure. Scherzinger “couldn’t make up her mind” and because of that, Crowe departed that night amongst jeers and tears. As a judge, you should be able to, number one, make up your mind, and number two, make the right choice, even if you really like the other contestant. Crowe killed the competition that night and everyone knew it… even Nicole I think.

Also leaving, Paula Abdul. Sources are saying that Simon wanted to “clean house” and well, it looks like he is doing it. The X Factor received pretty good ratings but not nearly what Cowell was expecting. Sources claim that Abdul was not renewed as well and that this isn’t just some negotiating or ratings ploy. Simon wanted a makeover (or shall we say do-over) and a makeover he is getting.

So, in the coming weeks, I guess we will start hearing who will be stepping into to these positions left empty by the above three. I guess L.A. Reid is here to stay awhile as well, although I didn’t see him as all that great either. The X-Factor is set to debut it’s second season later in the year. Personally, I would like to see some tougher judges join the panel. My problem now with American Idol is the lack of tough judges. Yes, Randy has tried to fill that role but it hasn’t worked that well.

What do you think? Who would you like to see come aboard as judges and host? Let us know below, then come on in and join us in the forum!