'I only found out I was replacing Cheryl Cole when I read the papers', admits new X Factor USA judge Nicole Scherzinger

By SARAH BULL

Last to know: Nicole Scherzinger admitted to Graham Norton that she only found out she was replacing Cheryl Cole on X Factor USA when she read the papers


The ongoing X Factor saga has kept fans riveted with constant changes in the judging panels both in the UK and Stateside.

But now Nicole Scherzinger has revealed she only found out she would be replacing Cheryl Cole on panel of the U.S. show when she read it in the newspaper.

Recording an interview on The Graham Norton Show, which airs on Friday, Nicole said: 'I haven’t said this yet, but I think it’s official that I have been made a judge. It's an amazing opportunity.


Stunning: Nicole wore a tribal-print minidress as she performed her new single on the show


'I’m kind of finding out (what’s happening) along with everyone else. It’s kind of crazy to read about it in the newspaper first.'

However, Nicole said she is looking forward to working with music mogul Simon Cowell on the programme.

She told Norton: 'He is someone you can learn a lot from. But when we are in that room it’s all about the music and the talent and I focus on the contestants, its what I am really passionate about.'


New role: It was a quick pit stop for Nicole, who begins her X Factor duties in New Jersey on Wednesday


Show bosses officially announced yesterday that Nicole will indeed be replacing Cheryl, and will start her new role at the New Jersey auditions on Wednesday.

It emerged over the weekend that Cole had been invited to return to her role after being fired a fortnight ago, but the 27-year-old has snubbed the offer, leaving the Pussycat Doll free to take her place.

Fox, FremantleMedia North America and Syco TV released a statement on Monday afternoon announcing the news.


Famous friends: Also appearing on the show were Tom Hanks and Simon Pegg


What's that you said? Nicole gasps at one of Norton's famously close-to-the-mark jokes


Finally confirmed: X Factor officially confirmed on Monday that Nicole IS replacing Cheryl on the judging panel


Thanks but no thanks: Cheryl turned down Fox's offer to return to the U.S. version


The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One this Friday at 10.35pm.

source: dailymail

Nicole's got the Sex Factor: Scherzinger won't have any problems pulling in viewers as it's confirmed she IS replacing Cheryl Cole on U.S. show

By ANDREA MAGRATH

The Sex Factor: Nicole Scherzinger was pictured taking a dip in her hotel in France last week


The ongoing saga of the U.S. X Factor judging panel may finally be over.

Show bosses have announced that Nicole Scherzinger will indeed be replacing Cheryl Cole.

And the Pussycat Doll proved perhaps why she became a favourite of show bosses as she cooled off in a pool in France last week.

The 32-year-old stripped down to a white bikini and flimsy T-shirt to take a dip at her hotel in southern France before flying back to the UK.

Nicole filmed an appearance on the Graham Norton show today, but will be jetting off again soon to start her new role at the New Jersey auditions on Wednesday.

It emerged over the weekend that Cole had been invited to return to her role after being fired a fortnight ago, but the 27-year-old has snubbed the offer, leaving the Pussycat Doll free to take her place.


Finally confirmed: X Factor have announced that Nicole Scherzinger IS replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel


Fox, FremantleMedia North America and Syco TV released a statement this afternoon announcing the news.

It read: 'Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of The X Factor.

'Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5million dollar recording deal.


The smile says it all: Nicole is in the UK where she was pictured at the ITV studios today ahead of flying back to the U.S. for X Factor auditions on Wednesday


'Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of The X Factor.'

Show bosses did an unexpected U-turn when they offered Cheryl her job back on Saturday.

She was given 24 hours to decide, but after previously knocking back a consolation-style offer of returning to her old post on the UK version, Cheryl now appears to be severing ties with the franchise.


She's got talent: Nicole, pictured performing on Britain's Got Talent last week, will be joining Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid following Cheryl's departure


Show sources were quick to point out that an official comment had never been released confirming Mrs Cole’s axing – and that her picture and biography had been kept up on the Fox X Factor website.

But friends of the Girls Aloud star believe their silence is part of Fox executives' plan to wriggle out of paying Cheryl out - as they were banking on her not turning up to the next auditions on Wednesday, making her in breach of contract.

But the singer is thought to have threatened to make public emails and text messages that prove she was indeed fired, the Daily Mirror claim.


Thanks but no thanks: Cheryl turned down Fox's offer to return to the U.S. version


Nicole Scherzinger feat. 50 CENT - Right There (Live American Idol)


source: dailymail

Cheryl Cole's American dream back on? Singer 'invited to rejoin X Factor USA'

By LARA GOULD

Friends again? Simon Cowell has managed to convince Fox executives Cheryl Cole is right for X Factor USA


Cheryl Cole was offered her job back on the X Factor USA last night – less than two weeks after being axed from the show.

The 27-year-old Girls Aloud singer and former judge on the British series was dropped amid claims that viewers couldn’t understand her Geordie accent and criticism of her performance on the panel.

But in a shock U-turn, Fox Television executives have given her a second chance after a personal intervention by X Factor supremo Simon Cowell.

Last night it remained unclear whether she would accept the offer, with a source saying: ‘The ball is in her court.’

The US network and Cowell have been criticised after it emerged Fox’s President of Alternative Entertainment, Mike Darnell – dubbed

the Rumpelstiltskin of Reality TV because of his 5ft 2in height – ordered Miss Cole off the show after he watched footage of her on the panel last month.

Significantly, since then, neither Fox nor Cowell’s representatives have released a statement confirming that Miss Cole had been sacked.

If Miss Cole – who has not been seen in public since she was axed from the show – decides to accept the offer, she could be back on the panel when auditions resume in New Jersey this week.


Back in the line-up? Cole with X Factor USA judges Antonio 'L.A.' Reid, Paula Abdul and Cowell and co-hosts Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger


If she agrees to the move, it would see Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger – who was given Cheryl’s place on the panel after her sudden exit – relegated to her original role as co-host with British TV pre¬senter Steve Jones.

But there was speculation the offer could be a plot by the American TV network to stave off any legal claim that Miss Cole could make for compensation against her sacking.

She was expected to receive a £1.2million payout in compensation despite filming only four episodes of the £100million series. However, if she then chooses not to accept Fox’s offer, it could reduce any payment the network would have to pay out.

Last night a spokesman for Miss Cole did not return calls.


A judge or co-host? Cheryl's return will mean Scherzinger - who performed on Britain's Got Talent last night - will revert to presenting


Miss Cole, one of four judges on the panel alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul and record producer L. A. Reid, flew back to Britain two weeks ago.

No official explanation has yet emerged as to why Miss Cole was dropped and sources close to her said she was not told why.

However, Fox executives were said to have complained about the ‘lack of chemistry’ between her and fellow judge Miss Abdul and concerns were raised about Miss Cole’s accent.

She was also criticised for her fashion sense and hairstyle after she arrived for her first day on the panel in purple trousers, an orange top and a backcombed hairstyle which Simon Cowell later said looked as if it was created in a wind tunnel.

Last week, British television executives gave Miss Cole the chance to resume her place on the ITV show – but she declined their offer after failing to respond to a deadline set for midnight last Saturday.

A source close to Cowell said last night: ‘Simon is staying out of this now. He has offered an olive branch but he is leaving the decisions up to Fox and Freemantle, the production company.


New panel: Louis Walsh is joined by Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow at the Birmingham auditions of X Factor last week


‘Cheryl was offered the UK show because it was thought that would have made her happier. He just wants whatever is best for Cheryl.’

Her U.S. manager, Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am said last week: 'Cheryl always comes back stronger, and she always comes back bigger. Cheryl has been through rougher things than this, so this is going to be no problem for her.

'It's easy to imagine Simon as this one-man empire, but that's not the case.

'He has people he needs to answer to and sometimes his hands are tied. I can only tell you what I've seen first-hand, that's a guy who deeply cares for her.'

The latest development comes just a few days after it was confirmed Mrs Cole would not be returning to the original UK X Factor.

Instead Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland joined the only remaining judge Louis Walsh on the panel at the Birmingham auditions last week.

Walsh said he had spoken to Cole and she was doing 'fine'.

He said: 'I talked to Cheryl today - we’ve been texting all day and we’re having fun. I think she’s going to be fine.

'Listen, from her texts today she’s absolutely fine.'


Nicole Scherzinger Rocks Britain's Got Talent 2011

source: dailymail

Pussycat Nicole Scherzinger shows a softer side as she hugs fans... after getting her claws into Cheryl Cole's X Factor job

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Me, ruthless? Nicole Scherzinger, who is set to replace Cheryl Cole as a judge on the U.S. X Factor, puts on an affectionate show with fans outside her hotel in Paris, France, today


Nicole Scherzinger has struggled to wipe the smug grin off her face since managing to snare Cheryl Cole's U.S. X Factor job last week.

But perhaps the Machiavellian singer, who has been promoted from co-host to judge in the wake of Cole's sacking, was attempting to show a softer side today as she put on an affectionate display with fans.

The former Pussycat Doll put on her best smile as she greeted a small crowd of young supporters, who were waiting for her outside her hotel in Paris, France.


Check me out: The singer showed off her toned figure in a form-fitting beige dress and thigh-skimming animal print bots


The 32-year-old star look perfectly groomed in a form-fitting asymmetrical beige dress, teamed with thigh-skimming animal print boots.

Of course, Nicole is no stranger to ruffling feathers.

Back in 2009 the Pussycat Dolls, of which she was the frontwoman, imploded amid reports of infighting and jealously.

The other girls were said to be bitter about Scherzinger's rising profile - while all they got to do was be her backing dancers.

Nicole has since admitted she has not remained in touch with her former gal pals - Carmit Bachar, Melody Thornton, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt.

She is now focused on her solo career and, of course, the U.S. X Factor and the exposure it will give her.


Moving on up: Nicole pictured last month with Cole (R), Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, LA Ried and Steve Jones (L)


Last December, Scherzinger coolly glossed the acrimony between herself and other members of the Pussycat Dolls, merely saying rows were 'inevitable'.

Nicole flew to Europe a few days ago to support her motor racing driver boyfriend in the Monaco Grand Prix.



Queen bee: As the former frontwoman of the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole isn't used to taking second place


source: dailymail

As Cheryl and Simon go to war, his people claim she asked for £2.5m to return to British X-Factor

By BEN TODD and PAUL REVOIR

Open neck: Simon Cowell - baring his hairy chest - returned to Britain's Got Talent last night but made no mention of the Cheryl Cole controversy


Only a month ago Simon Cowell told the world Cheryl Cole was ‘special’.

Last night, however, the TV mogul and the pop star were at war – through their ‘people’ – amid claims her advisers demanded £2.5million for her to return to the UK X Factor after her shock axing from the U.S. version of the show.

It came after ITV issued a statement confirming that the Girls Aloud star will not feature in its judging panel for the TV talent contest.


Holed up: Cheryl has not been seen since returning from America


Cowell himself has remained unusually silent on the issue – other than a subtle reference on last night’s Britain’s Got Talent, where he also raised eyebrows by arriving for a turn as guest judge in a suit and unbuttoned shirt which bared his hairy chest.

But according to senior sources at both his production company Syco, and ITV, associates of Mrs Cole believed to be led by pop star William Adams – known as Will.i.am and who became her manager a month ago – wanted the broadcaster to agree to the huge fee.


Happier times: Cheryl and Simon smile together on the judging panel of the X Factor in December 2009


The friend said: ‘Will.i.am doesn’t want her to have anything to do with Cowell anymore. Cowell thought she would come running back and take the UK job – but why would she when she’s been hung out to dry in the U.S..’

Since her humiliating sacking, Mrs Cole has been uncontactable – with sources suggesting she did not even know of the demands allegedly being made on her behalf.

She has refused to take telephone calls from TV executives, including Cowell.


Allies: Cheryl with her new manager Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas who is believed to have demanded the huge fee for her to return to X Factor


Within hours, it was confirmed that Tulisa Contostavlos – from pop band N-Dubz – was joining the show alongside Louis Walsh, U.S. pop star Kelly Rowland and Take That singer Gary Barlow.

An X Factor source revealed: ‘There was a Plan A we already had which we’re happy with and is a great team. It got to a point with Cheryl where we had to move on.


New panel: Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland will join Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh on the judging panel


That public statement also signalled the end of Cowell and Mrs Cole’s professional relationship, which began when she joined the X Factor in 2008.

Even a month ago, he said of Mrs Cole: ‘She’s got a great ability to communicate. She’s a great judge. She’s smart. You meet someone special a few times in your life and this girl is special.’

Within days of that comment, Mrs Cole had surprisingly axed Hilary Shaw – her manager since 2005 – to hand control to Mr Adams, who has found worldwide fame with the Black Eyed Peas.



Lost her 'mojo': A TV source said Cheryl seemed to have completely 'lost her mojo' after arriving in America

source: dailymail

'Lose two stone if you want to be a success', Cheryl Cole told ahead of U.S. X Factor appearance

By BEN TODD, SARA NATHAN and SARAH BULL

Makeover: Cheryl Cole is said to have been advised to lose as much as two stone ahead of her ill-fated appearance on the U.S. X Factor, it has emerged.


Cheryl Cole was under pressure to lose as much as two stone ahead of her ill-fated appearance on the U.S. X Factor, it emerged yesterday.

The 27-year-old singer is said to have been advised by an unnamed executive at the Fox network that she would need a huge image makeover if she wanted to win over audiences stateside.

Cheryl quickly enlisted the help of Gwyneth Paltrow’s personal trainer Tracy Anderson to try to achieve a more svelte physique after developing a curvier figure since battling back to health following a bout of malaria last year.


Fuller face: Cheryl has looked curvier in recent months


However, she appeared looking noticeably more voluptuous as she left the airport in Chicago last weekend following auditions for the talent show.

Just days later she was axed from her role on the U.S. show.

Meanwhile, Cheryl will not be returning to the British version of The X Factor after TV executives withdrew their offer yesterday evening.

The star was initially given the ‘olive branch’ of returning as a judge on the UK version of the hit show after she was suddenly axed from its American counterpart last week.

However, the Daily Mail has learned that since being sacked Cheryl has become ‘uncontactable’.

She has refused to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, to discuss the option.

As a result, last night they decided to end their interest in bringing her back to the UK show.

A TV source told the Mail: ‘That’s it. Cheryl will not be returning to the British X Factor.

'People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she’s been uncontactable.

‘She hasn’t returned phone calls. And you can’t exactly negotiate with someone who won’t even speak to you.’


Getting into shape: Cheryl was pictured leaving the gym earlier this month. She enlisted Gwyneth Paltrow's personal trainer Tracey Anderson to help her get into the best shape possibl


However, Amanda Holden, who is a judge on another of Cowell's shows, Britain's Got Talent, said today that Cheryl will regret it if she doesn't go back to the British show.

She told Radio 2: 'There is dark talk of Cheryl snubbing a return to British X Factor.

'Please do not do this. You will regret it for a long time.'

Last night it was confirmed that Tulisa Contostavlos, from hip hop group N-Dubz, had signed a deal to join the UK judging panel.

She will appear with Take That singer Gary Barlow, U.S. pop star Kelly Rowland and long-serving judge Louis Walsh.

source: dailymail

The cat who got the Cole: A relaxed Nicole Scherzinger leaves X Factor storm behind her to join the stars at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

All smiles: Nicole Scherzinger looks happy and relaxed as she strolls through the enclosure at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo earlier today


Last week, she found herself at the centre of a growing storm when it emerged she had replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge on the U.S. version of the X Factor.

But Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger looked like she didn't have a care in the world in Monte Carlo earlier today, as she watched boyfriend Lewis Hamilton race in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Looking happy and relaxed in a grey and black patterned minidress, white sandals and a large oversize floppy hat, the 32-year-old singer smiled as she strolled through the race crowds.


In the shade: Nicole shelters racing driver boyfriend Lewis Hamilton before today's big race


She was also pictured holding an umbrella over her 26-year-old British boyfriend before the race to shade him from the Monaco sunshine.

The star was clearly enjoying some relaxation time before she is due to return to the U.S. where she will take Cheryl's place alongside Simon Cowell, L.A.Reid and Paula Abdul.

Nicole had originally been co-hosting the show alongside Steve Jones, but will now replace Cheryl after she was fired from the show.


Piece of the action: Wearing a pair of headphones, Nicole looks focussed as she watches the race


At one point, she was seen sporting a pair of headphones and watching the action intently from a raised platform.

Nicole joined a slew of other celebrities at the Monte Carlo circuit for what has become known as Formula One's most glamorous Grand Prix.

Accordingly, the stars were pulling out all the stops in the glamour stakes.



Royal presence: Princess Beatrice arrives in an apricot dress and cream wedges with boyfriend Dave Clark


Snap happy: Dressed in a green playsuit and pink heels, Geri Halliwell takes a few photographs of the action


Princess Beatrice arrived with her boyfriend Dave Clark looking chic in an apricot dress and wedge sandals while Geri Halliwell turned up with her boyfriend Henry Beckwith.

Looking striking in a bright green playsuit, the former Spice Girl larked around with a camera taking photographs of the action.

British racing driver Jenson Button's model girlfriend Jessica Michibata looked stunning in a white one shouldered minidress, while singer and actress Holly Valance went for a simple chic grey and black patterned dress teamed with Gladiator sandals.


Glamming it up: Holly Valance looked chic in a patterned dress and gladiator sandals, while racing driver Jenson Button's model girlfriend Jessica Michibata showed off her slim frame in a white minidress


It's a family affair: Richard Branson poses with his daughter Holly and her boyfriend Fred Andrews besides the Monte Carlo track


Millionaires playground: Bernie Ecclestone's daughters Petra and Tamara show off their svelte legs in shorts while Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi wears an orange and white dress


Monte Carlo was enjoying its reputation as something of a millionaires playground with Richard Branson posing with his daughter Holly and fashion mogul Philip Green also being spotted trackside.

Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone's daughters Petra and Tamara showed off their svelte figures as they arrived at the event, Petra in white shorts and Tamara sporting a white and black patterned playsuit.

Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi looked chic in an orange and white dress with beige sandal as she watched defending Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel race to victory.


Picture perfect: The Formula One circus is in the principality of Monte Carlo for round six of the 2011 calendar

source: dailymail

'Cheryl is wonderful and I want to stay friends,' claims Paula Abdul as she insists she knows nothing about X Factor firing

By CHRIS JOHNSON

'I know nothing': Paula Abdul reacts awkwardly when asked about Cheryl Cole's sacking from the U.S. X Factor


Paula Abdul has described Cheryl Cole as 'wonderful' and claims she wants to stay in touch with her in the wake of the British star's firing from the U.S. X Factor.

The 48-year-old is seen here reacting rather awkwardly to news of Cheryl's departure from the hit show, insisting she doesn't know anything.

Speaking in Singapore earlier this week, Paula blamed her lack of knowledge due to travelling when the news broke and the time difference.


'I want to stay in touch': Paula went on to say she wanted to remain friends with Cheryl 'regardless' hinting she may have known more than she was letting on


'All I can tell you is that she is lovely and I was really excited about the relationship and friendship we were forging.

'And regardless I am really looking forward to continuing that. She's wonderful.'
News of 27-year-old Cheryl's sacking broke on Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles.

Four days on, there has still been no official comment from Simon Cowell or the TV network, Fox.

It is expected Cheryl will be replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, who was initially hired as a co-host alongside Welshman Steve Jones.


On the sidelines: Cowell smiles at Paula as Cheryl watches on at a Fox event earlier this month


Sources close to Cowell claim it was not his decision to fire her and that it was executives at Fox.

It was said during the first auditions Cheryl ‘could not get a word in edgewise’ with Cowell and Abdul dominating - and when she did speak some contestants ‘couldn’t understand her.’

There is also said to have been on-going tension from day one on the show between Miss Cole and Miss Abdul over who would sit next to Cowell, described as ‘a seat war,’ by the insider.

Meanwhile, auditions begin filming for the UK X Factor on Wednesday.

A source told MailOnline the British show are still keen to get Cheryl on board, although no decision has been reached yet.

The current panel is expected to be Take That star Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos from N-Dubz.


PAULA ABDUL IN SINGAPORE 2011



source: dailymail

It's over! Cheryl Cole refuses £2.5m offer to return to UK X Factor by snubbing Cowell's calls before her deadline

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Devastated Cheryl Cole is said to have refused ITV’s £2.5million offer to return to the UK X Factor, by not taking calls from show bosses before her deadline last night.

And a friend of the singer revealed she said of Cowell: ‘I’ve been used. Why put me through it? It’s cruel’, after being axed from the US version.

The 27-year-old is apparently distraught and still refusing to talk out other offers, while she has been holed up in a London flat with her mother Joan.

Cheryl’s deadline to decide whether to return to the UK X Factor was midnight last night, but as she apparently ignored Simon Cowell’s attempts to contact her, and has consequently blown her chance to return.

Filming will now commence on Wednesday sans Cole, according to the News of the World.


Fragile: The 27-year-old is apparently distraught and still refusing to talk out other offers


A close associate of Cowell told the tabloid: ‘The brutal truth is that no one is bigger than the show – not Cheryl and not even Simon.

‘We have a huge show and we need to get on the road on Wednesday and we needed to know if Cheryl was coming with us.

‘We have bent over backwards for Cheryl and she hasn’t engaged with us. She is out. That’s showbusiness.’

Another source added that show bosses gave the Girls Aloud star a ‘ridiculous’ deadline to try and reply to, which made it almost impossible for her to accept.

Cowell apparently gave her an ultimatum, telling her: ‘Do you want another job on more money? It’s a question: yes or no?’

But even if she had said yes, executives are said to be worried that her attitude might hinder the panel.

One told the Sunday Mirror: ‘It’s an entertainment show and the judges have to be cheerful and positive. We are not sure she is in the right place to take it on.’


Before the axe: Cheryl Cole in Chicago filming auditions for the US X Factor before she was cut from the show


Cheryl was dumped from the US X Factor last Tuesday and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger after having already started filming auditions.

A source close to the singer said: Cheryl is deeply humiliated and she wants Simon to make it clear that she wasn’t sacked, but was needed back in Britain.’

But Cheryl apparently told a friend after being axed from the US version: ‘It’s unfair. They did tests beforehand with focus groups and everything was fine.

‘I was flirting with the guys who auditioned and I had good banter with the panel. I don’t know what more I could have done.

‘I know this was Simon’s decision and that’s why it’s so hurtful. I don’t know why nobody told me I hadn’t been performing well,’ the News of the World reported.

Yesterday ITV bosses apparently pulled out all the stops to woo her back to the UK show, with a massive offer of £2.5 million to return.

But after being humiliated last week, it seems the star has decided to not return despite the huge offer.

Mail Online contacted a spokesperson for Simon Cowell and ITV but they refused to comment on the reports.


source: dailymail

ITV offer £2m to woo Cheryl Cole back to the X Factor UK

By KATIE NICHOLL

'Deeply humiliated': Cheryl has reportedly begged Simon Cowell to release a face-saving statement


Cheryl Cole has been told the door is still open for her to return to the British X Factor – but she must make her decision today.

ITV is said to be willing to double the singer’s usual £1.2 million pay packet if she comes back for the next series, but she is said to be unsure of taking the offer given her humiliation on the American version.

Cheryl is understood to be begging Simon Cowell to issue a statement saying she wasn’t sacked from the Fox show – but left because she had a ‘bigger and better’ offer to return home.


Will she, won't she? Simon Cowell is thought to be trying to talk Cheryl into returning to X Factor UK


Fox has yet to make an official announcement about Cheryl, but one source said: ‘Simon is working on a statement which will essentially deny Cheryl was sacked, but instead say she was offered a better opportunity in the UK.

'It will hopefully save Cheryl’s reputation and pave the way for her to come back to the British X Factor.’

A source close to the singer added: ‘Cheryl is deeply humiliated and she wants Simon to make it clear that she wasn’t sacked, but was needed back in Britain.
'It’s a face-saving measure and it’s very important to Cheryl.’


Nice work if you can get it: TV talent judges earn big money simply by telling people they're no good


The Girls Aloud singer, who has been holed up in her London flat with her mother Joan since she returned from Los Angeles, is said to be ‘close to breaking point’ over her treatment in the States.

‘She is feeling very fragile and very emotional about everything,’ said one friend. ‘Her confidence has been massively dented and her friends are genuinely worried for her.

'She is talking about taking some time out, but Simon is trying to convince her to sign up to prove she can do this job.

‘He’s told her she can come back to America and work on her image next year and that this is by no means the end of her in the States.’

Another source said: ‘They have offered to double Cheryl’s pay packet in the UK and Simon is trying to convince her to take this opportunity.

‘The truth is that Cheryl is in a major sulk and she may turn the offer down.

‘At the moment it’s a possibility, no one knows what she’s going to do, but the feeling is that if she turns down X Factor in the UK it really would be career suicide.’


source: dailymail

Not bad for four days work! Axed Cheryl Cole will receive full £1.2million U.S. X Factor fee

By BEN TODD, PAUL REVOIR AND SARAH NATHAN

Gutted: Simon Cowell has told a friend he feels bad that Cheryl has been sacked from the American version of X Factor


Cheryl Cole will receive her complete £1.2million US X Factor fee – despite being fired after just four days work.

The star – who was dramatically axed earlier this week – will be given her full fee for the series despite working for just four days of auditions, a senior X Factor source revealed.

That means she will receive £300,000 a day for her ill-fated US adventure.


Harsh: Cheryl came under fire during her first appearance. People said her hair was too big and came under criticism for her choice of clothing


An insider admitted: ‘Cheryl would expect the full £1.2million payment as a pay-off – despite her leaving the show so abruptly.’

Meanwhile, a close friend of Cowell has spoken to the Daily Mail and revealed he was ‘gutted’ at her axing – and ‘feels terribly bad’ about the shock sacking.

The friend revealed: ‘Simon is gutted for Cheryl. He fought to get her on there.

‘It took him months to get her on the show in the first place and he feels terribly bad that it didn’t work.’


she was soon sacked from the show because people were battling to understand her


The friend went on: ‘He understands that she is upset. But Simon can’t make it work. He did everything he could. He fought to keep her on the show.’

‘But ultimately it is the TV network that decides. And they just didn’t think it was working.’

Long-serving UK X Factor judge Louis Walsh, meanwhile, last night added that he was ‘sorry’ it did not work out for her in the US.

However, he added to the Mail he would ‘love’ her to return to the programme.


Nation's sweetheart: Cheryl could do no wrong on the British version of X Factor and Simon Cowell openly spoke of his fondness for her


‘I feel sorry for her you know, but that’s showbusiness,’ he said. He then issued a remarkable plea for her to return to the UK show.

He said: ‘The public would love her to do it. The public love her.

‘She is brilliant on the show, she is great fun, she ticks every single box. I want her back, please come back Cheryl.’

source: dailymail