Having a strong regional accent appears to be enough to rule you out for contention for the judging panel of the US version of the X Factor.At least that’s what appears to have happen to British pop star Cheryl Cole who has been sensationally axed as a judge on the talent show, according to reports. Entertainment website TMZ has claimed that producers were concerned the singer’s Newcastle accent was too strong for US audiences.
Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who had been lined up to co-host, is expected to replace her.
After months of speculation, it was confirmed earlier this month that Cole had landed the coveted spot on the judging panel alongside former American Idol judge Paula Abdul, Antonio LA Reid and Simon Cowell.
Speaking to reporters on the first day in her new role, the Girls Aloud singer said she was not concerned about her Geordie accent.
“Americans can always understand me,” she said. The 27-year-old added that she thought the audience would eventually “get used to it”.
The US job also meant she would not take part in this autumn’s UK version of the show.
“I’m going to miss it like crazy. I’ll be keeping one eye on it, making sure everyone is OK,” she said.
This will not, however, be the first time Scherzinger has worked as an X Factor judge.
She was brought in to replace Dannii Minogue on the UK version X Factor last year while the Australian singer was on maternity leave. Simon Cowell then brought Scherzinger back onto the UK X Factor judging panel to replace Cole when she was seriously ill with malaria last year.