Simon Cowell has announced that the first judge to sit alongside him on the X Factor USA panel will be Antonio ‘LA’ Reid. Reid, who has stepped down from the role of chairman of record label Island Def Jam (where he made his name, and has managed the careers of the likes of Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, and Rhianna) for the show.

LA Reid standing up to Simon Cowell

He will focus more on the singing-based reality show, in which the judges also serve as ‘mentors’ to contestants in the latter rounds as an added piece of internal competition designed to create a rivalry on the table as well as the stage.

Fox issued a statement that confirmed LA Reid’s participation, and the man himself said of his appointment: “I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon Cowell, one of the world’s most gifted and charismatic talent magnets. The X Factor provides an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring artists of every age and genre to showcase their unique talents. I truly look forward to discovering our next generation of superstars.”

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell claimed that amid all the endless speculation, Reid was always the ‘number one choice’ to be the second male judge on the four-person panel. He said: “In my opinion, [L.A.] is one of the greatest-ever music executives, and of course a fantastic writer and producer. I am thrilled he has agreed to join the show. He is a true star-maker.”

It seems as though it is also a choice that pleases host network Fox, with President of Alternative Entertainment Mike Darnell adding that the competition between the two could help the ratings: “Not only does [L.A.] have an insanely good eye for talent, but he also has the personality and savvy to go toe-to-toe with Simon Cowell. I can’t wait to see those two music moguls together at The X Factor judges’ table.”

With the first preliminary auditions being held in Los Angeles (the city which gave Reid his nickname) next Sunday, it is known that the producers will need to announce the remaining two judges (both female) quite soon for clarity purposes, as well as the presenter(s). Current rumours suggest that one of the judging slots will be surprisingly taken by breakout rap star Nicki Minaj (who Cowell described as ‘sassy’), while the presenting duo are said to be Enrique Iglesias and Taylor Momsen. All will be revealed soon…

Hi everyone my name is Kelly from the UK. Please let me know what you think of my posts by leaving a comment (or 2)

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