Nicole Scherzinger Named Host of U.S. Edition of 'The X Factor'

Former member of the Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger has just been added as judge of Simon Cowell's highly anticipated U.S. edition of 'The X Factor' show. The singer, who is also working on her solo project, was called in to replace British actress Cheryl Cole, who left the show at the last minute.

TMZ is reporting that Cole was dropped from the show due in part because of her thick accent, which may have been hard for American audiences to understand. Cole also is alleged to have had bad chemistry with fellow judge Paula Abdul.

Scherzinger was originally in the running to co-host the show, with British television personality Steven Jones.

"I love keeping busy," Scherzinger told Rap-Up.com earlier this month about joining the show as host. "It's a challenge. It's something new and it's cool to be a part of such a phenomenal show. I was a part of 'The X Factor' in London and Simon's just amazing to work with. I've never really been a host before, so it's definitely a new adventure for me. I'm making my job not traditional with all this stuff, so it's a lot of fun."

Former Def Jam record executive L.A. Reid has also been confirmed as a judge on the show. Cowell's 'The X Factor' premieres on Fox later this year in September. Auditions for the show resume in Dallas on May 28.