Official: Kelly Rowland Leaves ‘X Factor UK’

Published: Monday 30th Apr 2012 by Sam

After much speculation, it has today been confirmed that Kelly Rowland has officially opted not to return to The X Factor UK.

Statement after the jump…

After much speculation, we can officially confirm today that Kelly Rowland has decided not to return as a judge again for this year’s UK X Factor. Global commitments coupled with the show’s increasing demands this year mean that, despite weeks of deliberation with the show, Kelly has not been able to agree a deal that fits into her autumn/winter schedule, so sadly cannot accept a place on the 2012 panel.

Kelly thoroughly enjoyed her role as a judge on the show, but felt that if there couldn’t be a workable solution to scheduling issues, so that she could effectively juggle her other commitments then she couldn’t wholeheartedly commit to the show this year. Kelly says, ‘I love the UK and being part of the show last year. Mentoring the girls was such an incredible experience I will never forget. I would like to thank Simon for the great opportunity and asking me to be a judge last season.’

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And there, folks, you have it.

We had it on very-very-very reliable word that Simon Cowell did indeed want Kelly back on the panel and a deal had been put on the table by him and ITV, yet it’s clear the terms couldn’t be reached.

The news evokes a divided emotion from yours truly. Of course, a seat on the panel of one of the UK’s biggest shows could have done wonders for Kelly’s British presence. However, the theatrics, politics and media propaganda (which, if to keep it all the way 100, had very racial undertones), rendered her stint somewhat unfortunate. Sad, as she was easily the best (and most qualified) judge next to Gary Barlow.

If scheduling was indeed the issue, it’d be awesome to see Kelly take up one of the vacant seats on the X Factor USA (wouldn’t that be a swerve-ball and then some?!) However, in the event Kelly’s X Factor journey has wrapped, we hope the commitments which kept her from taking part are worth it. Interesting times and announcements are on the horizon.