Official: Nicole Scherzinger Replaces Cheryl Cole on ‘The X Factor’

Following weeks of messy publicity, Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger will officially replace Cheryl Cole as a judge on Fox's upcoming reality-competition series 'The X Factor.'

In a joint statement released Monday, Fox and 'X Factor' producers FremantleMedia and Syco TV said, "Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of The X Factor.

"Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5 million dollar recording deal. Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of The X Factor."

Cole was officially named a judge back in May, but was fired a few weeks ago, reportedly due to her thick British accent and lack of chemistry with fellow judge, Paula Abdul. Scherzinger was initially hired as a co-host with Steve Jones.

As of yesterday, there were rumors that Cole - who also left the UK version of 'The X Factor,' where she'll be replaced by Kelly Rowland - was offered her job back. But according to sources for the Hollywood Reporter, the "powers behind the show" opted for a $1.5 million buyout instead.

Hmm... I wonder if anyone from Louisiana will be on it this year.

[TV Line]