Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul Leave 'X Factor': Mariah Carey to Be New Judge?

Posted on Jan 31st 2012 11:30AM by Contessa Gayles

nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey Getty Images

After weeks of gossip that 'X Factor' judge Nicole Scherzinger was leaving the show, sources are confirming that not only is Nicole quitting to work on her perpetually delayed album, but fellow judge Paula Abdul and host Steve Jones have been fired, too! No sooner did news of the show's major overhaul hit the web, that speculation over who will serve as Nicole and Paula's replacements for Season 2 began to run rampant.

One star who very well may join the cast of Simon Cowell's reality competition is Mariah Carey. Many insiders are betting that the diva is Simon's top choice for the show, since he wanted MiMi for the premiere season. At that time, while Mariah was "enthusiastic" about the opportunity, Simon revealed she was too busy tending to her newborn twins to take time for the gig.

While the diva herself has yet to respond to the speculation about her 'X Factor' future, Mimi's husband Nick Cannon decided to speak on the topic during his radio show 'Rollin' With Nick Cannon' last week.

"Like Nicole Scherzinger, my wife is not a fan of judging people. Nicole actually did say that she is used to performing, and the judging thing is not really natural for her," he explained. Nick continued, reminding us that his wife is one of the biggest recording superstar ever, "I really think that a lot of entertainers feel that way and I think these shows are really good shows, but when you get someone of status, or just big-time, career-wise, to do these shows, I personally think it's a step down."

"Why would would my wife want to be on a show like that?" Cannon asked. "For somebody who has a legendary career, I don't know why they would do that." So, it looks like Nick certainly has his opinions about his wife sitting on the 'X Factor' judges panel, but Mariah doesn't really seem like the kind of gal to let a man speak for her! We guess we'll have to wait and see if the rumors will become reality.

UPDATE 01/31/12: Both Nicole and Paula have posted messages to their Twitter pages confirming the reports that they will not be returning to the show. At about 3:00PM EST Nicole wrote, "I wanted to let you know directly from me that it's true I won't be returning to The X Factor. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead and making great music and more! I'm grateful for the love you always give me."

Just minutes later, Paula explained in a series of messages, "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 often times override personal considerations ... Simon & I, along with Fox & Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now & 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."

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Filed under: Rumor Mill, Hot Off the Press

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thetruth.harvey

I'm am so sice of you ignorant and no talented white folks. Th etruth o fthe matter is none of you have any real talent so you just bash those that do. What talent does Taylor Swift have., I wonder why you all became so mad when Kanye told the Truth. She should not have been mentioned in the same sentence with Beyounc'e or anybody else with talent. The only thing you people know how to do is copy talent and lipsing because you don't have any real talent. As for Brittany Spears, exhibit A, None of those lipsingers would would even be noticed if they did not copy (try) to sing and dance there (stiff) bodies like those who have a natural and real talent. They are only man made celebrities promoted to steal attention and revenue away from the truly famous and talented. So Pleaseeee stop Hating and change your racist DNA. It only shows your real jealousy and hatrde.

February 21 2012 at 3:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to thetruth.harvey's comment

Courtney

You, sir, are a massive idiot.

February 21 2012 at 9:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

thetruth.harvey

I'm am so sick of you ignorant and no talent white folks. the truth of the matter none of you have any real talent so you just bash those that do. What talent does Taylor Swift have, I wonder why you all became so mad when Kanye told the truth. She should not have been mentioned in the same sentence with Beyounc'e or anybody else with talent. The only thing you people know how to do is copy talent because you don't have any. As for brittany Spears,exhibit A. None of those lipsingers would even be noticed if they did not try to sing and dance like those who have a natural and real talent. They are only promoted to steal attention away from the truly famous and talented, they are only man made celebrities with purchased lippo, ego and everything else that goes with it.

February 21 2012 at 3:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to thetruth.harvey's comment

nurse.fuller

Are you for real? I am in no way a racist, but I don't think that black people are the only ones who can sing and dance! If anyone is racist it's you! I mean your statement is about as ignorant as a white person saying that "black girls only get fake hair to look white, because they can't grow long and silky hair themselves. Or black girls dye their hair blonde to look more white." Pretty stupid!

February 22 2012 at 9:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Susan

Sorry but Mariah needs to stay away...if you have ever seen her promote her line on HSN, she is the biggest DITZ...and makes up her own words!!!! She was ripped apart after her last show on HSN. And does her husband really think X-Factor is "beneath" her? I think she is beneath any show that promotes her to open her mouth and speak...she needs to learn vocabulary and stop whining when she talks! I really think she would not be a good asset to this show. Please find someone else, I don't think I could take her whining week after week.....

February 03 2012 at 4:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

MONSTERDEADHEAD

just my opinion' never did like nicole.away's will love paula.mariah a new judge.i am not sure about that.but life go's on and we will see.

February 03 2012 at 12:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Hello Valerie

I wish Mariah would crawl back under the ROCK she crawled out from under...She LOOKS like a huge horses ass..I do not like her and i will NOT listen to her crap..

February 03 2012 at 12:33 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

sdkalchert

i think mariah is an ass. she is so arrogant.i couldnt stand her the first time i heard her and then to be forced to look at her ill proportioned face and body was too much. big deal if she can sing. if i hear her on the radio i tune into another station. she isnt sexy at all. her new commercial is hysterical..she thinks she looks good? she looks like a stuffed pig.she is fat and looks like an amazon.her legs look like tree trunks.i for one will not be watching the x-factor if she is a judge..what a shame..i thought the show was fun to watch...

February 02 2012 at 8:31 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to sdkalchert's comment

repates

What a hater, that's just mean, I'm sure she is hurt to see what you think of her, NOT!!!!!!!!!!

February 02 2012 at 8:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

louis2865

its time to say goodbye to X-factor. These shows having become Boring. I would rather watch one with that cool ass spinning chair. Its funner. not to mention X-tina is way more amusing than paula.

February 02 2012 at 4:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Gail

I have been trying to "sign out" !!! Please take my name off of this page!!!!!!!

February 01 2012 at 8:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

proltimer

Affirmative action is forcing Simon to hire a monkey.

February 01 2012 at 8:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

CATHY

No To Mariah!!!!!!

February 01 2012 at 7:50 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

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