Simon Cowell starts to revamp X Factor by axing Nicole Scherzinger from the show
Clearly, Simon Cowell has been plotting a massive makeover for season 15 of the X Factor — Nicole Scherzinger has been axed from the show and long-time judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are likely to follow. Despite the fact that Osbourne and Walsh have contracts to return, it is possible that their contracts will be terminated.
Cowell is allegedly in talks with Craig David and Louis Tomlinson who could very well become the next season's judges. Ex-judge Cheryl Tweedy, Alesha Dixon, Kylie Minogue, and Mariah Carey are competing to replace the Pussycat Dolls star.
As reported by the Sun, an X Factor insider revealed, "Louis and Sharon are both contracted to return this year, but Simon and the producers have lost faith. They were both terrible on the panel last year. Louis has had a great run, but he’s advertising hearing aids for god’s sake. It’s beyond a joke."
"And Sharon couldn’t even remember some of her own contestants’ names. Nicole was a passionate judge but has no contract and won’t be back this year in order to bring in fresh blood," the source continued.
Louis Walsh has already been fired from the show twice until his close friend, Cowell, reversed the decision. However, Walsh's decision to take part in a Specsavers drive which highlights his hearing loss is a step too far in the wrong direction and it could be a deal breaker in this case.
"Louis and Simon remain great friends and it’s not a simple decision to let him go. But serious eyebrows were raised when Louis went public with his hearing loss in a Specsavers campaign about hearing aids. It obviously raises the question about whether he’s a suitable judge for a show that aims to find young pop stars," a source said.
Osbourne has been a long-time judge on X Factor but her hectic schedule and lack of commitment have proven to be her downfall.
"Sharon’s X Factor royalty. But there are big question marks on whether she has the commitment required, especially when it comes to working with her contestants," a source shared. "There are no plans for Nicole to return to The X Factor this year. Other announcements about the judging line-up will be made in due course. It is possible either Sharon or Louis could still return because both have contracts," the source continued.
