'The X Factor' reportedly considered reuniting Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson as judges

The X Factor was reportedly looking to mirror American Idol's classic days before deciding on its new lineup of judges.


One of The X Factor's producers considered attempting to reunite American Idol's original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for the show's upcoming third-season panel, The New York Post reported.

A source close to The X Factor told The Post the producer had suggested the idea "the day after Randy quit" American Idol.

"Simon, Randy and Paula have remained great friends since Idol," noted the source.

However, Cowell didn't act on the plan because he allegedly preferred the idea of working with an all-female judging lineup next season. As a result, Fox decided upon the new judging panel comprised of Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio and returning mentor Demi Lovato.


Fox announced Rowland and Rubio will be joining Cowell and Lovato earlier this week.

"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 -- who judged The X Factor's U.K. edition in 2011 -- and Rubio will be replacing two-time judge L.A. Reid and second-season judge Britney Spears on the reality singing competition's third-season panel. Lovato announced her return to the show in late March.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski