MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American Nicole Scherzinger will not be renewed in season two of the American “X-Factor,” AP reported Jan. 31.
The former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman is not the only person leaving the show, host Steve Jones and fellow judge Paula Abdul also announced that they will not return in the second season of the reality singing search.
“A Fox spokeswoman said Monday that the judge (Scherzinger) and host will not return for the show’s second season. No other details were provided,” said the report.
Jones released via Twitter a statement about his “X-Factor” exit. Without disclosing if it was his choice to leave the show or not, he posted that the development was “a shame” but remained thankful having hosted its first season last year because he had “a great time” with the gig.
Abdul confirmed to EW.com that she is ending her own “X-Factor” run. “Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to ‘The X-Factor’ next season. I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions oftentimes override personal considerations. Simon [Cowell] and I, along with Fox and [producers] Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.
“Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for ‘The X-Factor’ to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.”
No friendships were damaged, however, as Cowell, who left “American Idol” to bring the British “X-Factor” to the US, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of ‘The X-Factor’ last year. We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars. You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future. I’m sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next, but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year.”
The acerbic Brit failed to deliver the expected goods (read: viewership tally amounting to about 20 million) for “X-Factor” compared to his former show “American Idol.” Not that the singing search failed to amass the numbers. “X-Factor USA” posted solid numbers but not solid enough to beat time slot rivals “Modern Family” and “Criminal Minds.”
EW.com also printed this statement from Fox’s president of alternative Mike Darnell: “We love Paula. She is a remarkable talent and we appreciate all of her contributions. We’re lucky that she is a part of the Fox family, and we look forward to working with her again soon.”
Tab reports recently published photos of Scherzinger with a new boyfriend.