Paula Abdul Joins ‘The X Factor’

Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on the U.S. version of ‘The X Factor’, the singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX. Abdul will again sit alongside Cowell after doing so for eight seasons as a judge on ‘American Idol’.

“This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this - I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” Cowell said.

“I am excited beyond words to be a part of ‘The X Factor’. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” Abdul said. “I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey - we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again… but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!”