Steve Jones

Exclusive! Simon Cowell on 'X Factor' Shakeup

February 07, 2012 The X Factor

In his first and only interview, "The X Factor" judge Simon Cowell breaks his silence to "Extra's" Terri Seymour about the recent exit of judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul, and host Steve Jones.

Seymour asked when Cowell and FOX execs first began discussing changes. He said, "At the beginning of the year-- and we were told it had to happen straight away."

'X Factor' Shakeup: Ex-Judges and Ex-Host

January 31, 2012 The X Factor

In a shocking move for the second season of Simon Cowell's "X Factor," cast members and judges, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, and host Steve Jones are joining the ranks of the unemployed.

"Extra" sources reveal FOX felt the heat from NBC's wildly popular "The Voice," and felt it needed to switch things up -- something Simon had predicted during the finale. He said, "There will be changes. You have to think what the viewers like, what they didn't like... be smart."