Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, together again? It sounds too good to be true!
But it is. The beloved former American Idol judges will share a panel yet again on new talent search The X Factor, debuting this fall.
"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can't believe I am saying this -- I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show," Simon Cowell said in a statement Sunday, when Fox spread the big news.
"I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor," Abdul responded. "I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"
After eight seasons together on Idol (2002-2009), the two have reunited for X Factor auditions, currently in progress. No word yet on what the seating arrangements are -- Cowell and Abdul will share the panel with previously hired judges Cheryl Cole and Antonio (L.A.) Reid -- but I doubt Cowell would want anyone but Abdul sitting next to him.
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In fact, the thought of the two side by side is probably the most exciting reality TV-related news so far this year -- at least for American Idol fans, or anyone who ever questioned the contents of Abdul's Coke cup (Pepsi will be The X Factor's official sponsor, for what it's worth).
By getting Abdul to sign the dotted line, Cowell has given a big buzz boost to his already hyped-about series. Here are five reasons why we can't wait to see them together. Again.
1. They're like peas and carrots
Paula being the sweet pea and Simon being the bitter carrot. On their own - or with other judges (i.e. Simon with Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres and Randy Jackson on Season 9 of Idol; Paula with those people I've never heard of on Live to Dance) - they're kind of bland. But they make a colourful match. Oh, and apologies for the lame Forrest Gump reference.
2. The eye rolls
Any bets as to how long it will take Simon to roll his eyes over something ridiculous that comes out of Paula's mouth? I'm thinking about five seconds into the series premiere.
3. She keeps him on his toes
Remember when Paula critiqued contestant Jason Castro's second song before he even performed it on Top 5 week of American Idol's seventh season? As a fellow judge, what do you even say after that? As I recall, Simon managed to brush off the major gaffe, but trust Paula to eff up something at some point to keep Cowell - and newbies Reid and Cole - on their toes.
4. A kinder, gentler Simon
If anyone can get a smile - albeit a sarcastic one - a hug, or even a smooch out of Simon Cowell, it's Paula Abdul. No one can melt the man of steel quite like the eccentric popster. I'd suggest they've got a thing for each other if I actually believed their chemistry wasn't just for the cameras - and to boost ratings. Which leads me to my next point "¦
5. They put on a show
We have Simon and Paula to thank for making American Idol more about the judges than the contestants - and they'll do the same for The X Factor. Diehards argue that the judging dynamic is not what these talent shows are supposed to be about - but they are. And if The X Factor is going to succeed in the long run, it needs a flashy panel to get our attention first. Simon and Paula's lovable love-hate relationship is just the ticket.
The X Factor Fast Facts
What: A reality TV series where both solo singers and vocal groups, ages 12 and up, audition in front of four judges -- and an audience of thousands -- for a chance to win a $5 million Syco/Sony Music recording contract. The competition, which originated in Britain -- and whose most famous discovery is 2006 winner Leona Lewis -- is split into four stages: Auditions, bootcamp, judges' houses and live performance shows.
Who: Seated behind the judges' desk will be executive producer Simon Cowell, who also serves on the UK panel; former American Idol judge and Cowell's frenemy, Paula Abdul; British popstar Cheryl Cole (also from the show's UK panel); and LaFace Records founder/bigtime record exec Antonio (L.A.) Reid. Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger and British TV personality Steve Jones will host.
Why: So a post-American Idol Simon Cowell can continue his reign as reality TV king in American as well as Britain, natch!
Where: Preliminary producer and booth auditions have already taken place in various U.S. cities, but the live studio audience auditions are currently taking place in Los Angeles, and will move on to Chicago, Newark, Miami, Dallas and Seattle this month and next.
When: Set to make its debut on Fox and CTV in September 2011. Exact date TBA.
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