Simon Cowell told People magazine after Thursday’s X Factor finale to expect a “bloodbath” next year. It looks like Simon is ready to make some major changes to the FOX fledgling show.
“Can we make the show better? Yes. I will never ever go into anything going forward unless I can believe I can make it better. Next year will be a bloodbath. We have to come out with something better than the rest, and that’s what we aim to do.”
Simon was “mum” on the specifics, but said he plans to sit down back in the U.K. with the X Factor “brain trust”. They’ll also be getting input from sponsors and the FOX network before any decisions are made regarding the show’s second season.
Paula is expecting to return “unless something weird and bizarre happens.” Steve Jones said, “I look forward to working with the judges again.” LA Reid also hopes to return, “I would love to come back – what I don’t like is, I love it so much. I don’t control it, it’s up to the boss.”
Nicole Scherzinger is the only cast member who hasn’t publicly expressed a desire to return. Nicole said in post-finale interviews that the show “took a lot out of me.” and that “I’m an artist first, not a judge. At the beginning of next year, I’m focusing on my album and going on tour in Europe.”
So what do you think? Will Simon reboot his entire judges’ panel? Is Nicole going to quit before she gets fired? And what about Too Tall Steve? Is his new nickname going to be Too Fired Steve?
I think Nicole and Steve will definitely be gone next year. With all the fuss over hiring Paula, I think Simon will hang on to her, but you never know with the mercurial Mr. Cowell. LA Reid, has been a real stiff on the panel–and could be out the door with Nicole and Steve.
Simon seems determined to make X Factor a real hit. Can he do it?
