Paula Abdul

Report: L.A. Reid Signs Contract For Season 2 of The X Factor

• Feb 4, 2012 01:37 PM ET
• by Lindsay Silberman

Amid The X Factor host Steve Jones and judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger all getting cashiered, one person remains safe: L.A. Reid.
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Matt's TV Week in Review: Stunts on Grey's and Glee, and More

• Feb 3, 2012 03:37 PM ET
• by Matt Roush

So the big "what if" episode of Grey's Anatomy turned out to be a big What Ev. The more things change, the more they turn out the same. read more

American Idol's Randy Jackson: Mariah Carey Would Be an "Amazing" X Factor Judge

• Feb 2, 2012 05:39 PM ET
• by Hanh Nguyen

From the sound of it, American Idol's Randy Jackson wishes rival competition show The X Factor the best, especially in light of its massive shake-up.

"I'm sad to hear about all what's going on with that show," Jackson told reporters on a call on Thursday. "But all of those people are dear friends of mine as you know. I have not spoken to Paula [Abdul]. I mean, we texted back and forth. "

Why The X Factor Bloodbath Is Good News — And Hopefully Just a Starting Point

• Jan 31, 2012 10:26 PM ET
• by Denise Martin

Some time in recent days and weeks, Simon Cowell realized that The X Factor wasn't shaping up to be the singing competition to end all singing competitions. The money was there, as was the support from Fox, but with little more than 12 million viewers tuning in to see who would win a $5 million windfall, it became clear something hadn't clicked with America.

And so on Monday, we learned that he had cleaned house: Gone are stiff host Steve Jones and simpering, whimpering judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. Reports that Cowell was looking for more star power next season quickly followed. Mariah Carey's name has already been bandied about as the kind of A-list celebrity he wants, and she did serve as Simon's right hand during the at-home coaching sessions.

But is she enough? Is she even the right Hail Mary play? The truth is The X Factor has strong elements going for it, boasting auditions in front of a live crowd, Simon's bitter tongue and the most diverse lineup of contestants of any of the broadcast talent shows.

Now if only it could rid itself of any remaining similarity to American Idol. Some ideas:

Paula Abdul Confirms X Factor Exit

• Jan 31, 2012 04:03 PM ET
• by Joyce Eng

And the housecleaning continues: Paula Abdul is leaving The X Factor.

Shake-up at The X Factor: Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger out

"Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to The X Factor next season," Abdul said in a statement Tuesday. "I've learned through my longevity in this industry that ...
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