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Kelly Rowland to replace Britney Spears in 'X Factor USA'


May 21, 2013
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Kelly Rowland and Mexican singing sensation Paulina Rubio will be judging America's best singing talent on the new series of X Factor USA. The glamorous women will join Disney star Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell on the judging panel. "It's taken more than a decade but I'm delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls – I think!" said the music mogul. "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," added Simon.

kelly paulina

Kelly and Paulina will be replacing Britney Spears and LA Reid, who left at the end of the show's last series. The Destiny's Child member is set to enjoy her own musical success with new single Dirty Laundry in late May. Kelly also awarded the Dance Artist of the Year accolade at this year's Billboard Awards. Putting her previous experience as UK X Factor judge to the test, Kelly is thrilled to be back on board. "It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the States" said the delighted Stole singer. Latin American Grammy-winner Paulina is ready to give notoriously critical judge Simon a run for his money. "I'm so thrilled to be part of the show as a judge," said Paulina. "Simon, be careful what you wish for, let's see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo! [let's get the party started, friend!]" Meanwhile, the UK version of the TV show is also undergoing a shake-up. Last season the show had its worst ratings since the 2007 series, with Strictly Come Dancing garnering more than a million viewers on average. In order to revive the show, X Factor bosses are allegedly replacing N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos with music veteran Sharon Osbourne.

sharon osbourne © Photo: Getty Images

Known for her hot quips and keeping the rest of the panel in line, the enigmatic Osbourne left her hot seat behind six years ago. Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger said that she would be thrilled for Sharon to join her, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow. "Sharon is the first woman who introduced me the X Factor and brought me on as a guest judge, so I'm Team Sharon all the way," said Nicole. "She's a righteous mama. I love and adore her."

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