@TheXFactorUSA tweets, “CHART-TOPPING ARTIST NICOLE SCHERZINGER & BRITISH TV PERSONALITY STEVE JONES CONFIRMED TO HOST THE X FACTOR.”
So…Simon Cowell managed to hire all his favorite limeys, despite what FOX may or may not have wanted! Heh. The Corbin Bleu talks didn’t work out, I guess. From THR:
Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger have won the jobs of hosts of Simon Cowell’s US version of The X-Factor, a source close to the show tells The Hollywood Reporter.
A formal announcement is expected shortly. Jones and Scherzinger will join the highly-anticipated singing competition on Sunday, when its judges rounds kick off in Los Angeles. The show will bow in September on Fox.
Jones, 34, is unknown to U.S. audiences but he’s hosted big live TV shows in the UK including T4 Music, a popular music series, and As Seen on TV, a BBC One celebrity panel quiz show.
The only piece that needs to fall into place is the 4th judge. Paula Abdul is reportedly deep in negotiations as we speak for that position.
The live audition shows begin filming in Los Angeles tomorrow.
UPDATE: The press release is out. Check out some quotes and bios (for those have no clue who Nicole and Steve are)
Multi-talented performer and chart-topping artist Nicole Scherzinger and British TV personality Steve Jones will host THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX. Scherzinger, who recently served as a guest judge on the U.K. version of “The X Factor, ” is a singer, songwriter and performer and Jones began his career as a fashion model and has gone on to host some of the U.K.’s biggest TV shows.
From the auditions right through to the live performance shows, the duo will follow the contestants and judges onstage and backstage to share the raw emotions and electrifying performances with viewers at home every week.
“These two are going to be great together, ” said Simon Cowell. “I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star. Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the U.K. ‘X Factor’ last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented.”
“I am thrilled to be asked by Simon Cowell to host THE X FACTOR, ” said Scherzinger. “I loved working alongside Simon on the U.K. show, and cannot wait to see what he has in store for the U.S. I’m so excited to work with Steve Jones and help discover astounding talent from across the country!”
“I couldn’t be happier to be coming onto THE X FACTOR, ” said Jones. “The ability to work day in and day out with Simon Cowell is a dream come true. I am honored to have that opportunity and thrilled to be able to share the stage with Nicole Scherzinger, whom I adore. I have been approached about working in the States before, but never felt right about those opportunities. But when THE X FACTOR came up, I lept at the opportunity.”
“Nicole is a triple-threat performer who knows how to captivate an audience, and Steve is an accomplished presenter whose original sense of humor has charmed viewers worldwide. Both possess the unique combination of personality and credibility that we were looking for in our hosts, ” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “They’re incredibly charismatic, undeniably gorgeous, and fantastic entertainers in their own right.”
“A student of the performing arts since childhood, Nicole Scherzinger is a talent tour de force whose track record spans many creative genres, while Steve Jones is a multi-talented U.K. personality with consummate hosting skills and a signature charm, humor and style that is all his own, ” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “I’m very pleased to have them both on board THE X FACTOR, where their respective experiences will bring a special and authentic chemistry to their roles as co-hosts.”
Auditions for the next global superstar or breakout music group continue with the final stop in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, May 26.
About Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, HI, and grew up in Louisville, KY. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, performer and the former lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. Scherzinger was asked to join The Pussycat Dolls after appearing on the TV show “Popstars” as part of the group Eden’s Crush. The group’s debut album, “PCD, ” went double-platinum in America, sold over 9 million copies worldwide and featured the hit songs “Don’t Cha, ” “Buttons” and “Stickwitu.” Following the success of “PCD, ” Scherzinger recorded a series of duets and guest vocal appearances with P. Diddy, 50 Cent, Timbaland and Vittorio. The second Pussycat Dolls album “Doll Domination, ” has sold over 5 million copies to date and contains the hits “When I Grow Up” and “I Hate This Part.” In 2009, Scherzinger wrote and recorded an adaptation of A.R. Rahman’s “Jai Ho” (from the film “Slumdog Millionaire”), which went to No. 1 in 17 countries. Recently, Scherzinger won the 10th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and starred in “Rent” at the Hollywood Bowl. Scherzinger is scheduled to release her debut album “Killer Love.” The first single “Right There” (featuring 50 Cent) is available digitally on May 17th, in advance of the album release this summer.
About Steve Jones
A native of Rhondda, Glamorgan, Wales, Steve Jones’ career in print modeling began when he was approached by ELLE Magazine to do some freelance work. Jones went on to work around the world for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Versace, Armani, Ralph Lauren and Adidas. He then parlayed his sense of humor and natural ease with people to make the transition to TV host. Jones’ credits include the late-night series “Transmission, ” the marathon music show “Carling Live 24, ” seven years on the incredibly popular children’s weekend morning entertainment show “T4, ” two installments of “Let’s Dance for Comic Relief” and the special “Guinness World Records Smashed!” He will next be seen hosting “Drop Zone, ” “Wedding Crashers” and “101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow, ” as well as teaming with his brothers in “Jones Brothers Amazon Adventure.”
