After much speculation, ITV have finally announced the new judging panel for X Factor UK – a panel which is confirmed to include Pop star Kelly Rowland!
Full story after the jump…
The ‘Motivation’ singer joins Take That’s Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos as a judge on the UK’s biggest show.
Speaking of her new role, she said:
“I am so excited to join The X Factor UK and be able to spend time in one of my favourite places in the world. The music coming out of the UK right now is incredible with artists like Adele, Jessie J and James Blake, so I’m confident this season of The X Factor will give me opportunity to hear a few diamonds in the rough. Being a judge is never easy, but I promise to be as sternly honest as I can and also encourage everyone who crosses the stage. I can’t wait to meet the world’s next superstar!”
It is widely believed Rowland, 30, was drafted in as the replacement for Cheryl Cole, who left the series earlier this year to join its US counter-part- only to be unceremoniously sacked earlier this week.
The Destiny’s Child star is expected to jet into the UK today ahead of the filmed auditions, which begin on Wednesday.
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Though one has to seriously wonder what this means for Kelly’s project in the US (which was given a major boost after ‘Motivation’ topped the Billboard chart this week), this is undeniably a major coup for Kelly. Perhaps the biggest of her solo career to date.
Having had a brief look at the audition dates, there are actually a number of openings for Ms. Rowland to jet home and work her project Stateside too (BET Awards anyone?). In any case, here’s hoping she has airmiles, as for the first time in a long time, Ms. Kelly is a hot commodity on all sides of the atlantic. Work!