Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio join "The X Factor"
"The X Factor" will have a pair of fresh faces when it returns for a new season this fall on Fox. Singer Kelly Rowland and Mexican singer-actress Paulina Rubio have signed on as judges on the reality TV competition, Simon Cowell revealed on Monday night.
The 32-year-old Rowland, who shot to fame with Destiny's Child, and Rubio, 41, will sit alongside Cowell, 53, and Demi Lovato, 20. They replace Britney Spears, whodeparted after one year on the show, and music industry heavyweightL.A. Reid.
"It's taken more than a decade but I'm delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!). Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different," Cowell said in a statement.
Rowland said in a statement, "I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and 'The X Factor' family. It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the States!"
Rubio added, "I can't wait to find the next big music star here in America. I'm so thrilled to be part of the show as a judge. Simon, be careful what you wish for, let's see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo!"
"The X Factor" panel in the U.S. has changed a lot since it launched in 2011 with Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger in the judges' chairs. Guess Cowell likes to keep things fresh.
Tell us: What do you think about the new judges?
