Kelly Rowland’s spokesperson has explained that the former Destiny’s Child star will not be returning to X Factor this year due to ‘scheduling commitments’.
Her place in the 2012 has long been in doubt after a rather disappointing (and largely unintelligible performance) last time out, but this confirmation will start a hunt for a new judge, with Cowell’s ex-lover Dannii Minogue though to be heading the field.
“We can officially confirm today that Kelly Rowland has decided not to return as a judge again for this year’s UK X Factor,â? said Rowlandâs spokesperson.
“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,” continued the statement.
“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.”
Rowland – who will be remembered primarily for her phrase “put it down” and for pulling a sickie in front of the entire nation – thanked Simon Cowell for her time on the show.
It may have seemed that Minogue had the gig in the bag last week, but Louis Walsh told The Irish Herald that producers are looking at five possible replacements for the American.
âIâve worked with Nicole [Scherzinger] and Katy [Perry] before and I would love to work with them again, they were fantastic.
“Mel B has done the X Factor Australia and could easily do it in Britain as she knows the format so well. Anastacia has sold millions of records and is a big star and I would give anything to work with Sharon [Osbourne] again.”
Gary Barlow confirmed that he’ll be returning to the series later this year and Walsh and Tulisa are also expected to re-sign in the near future.
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