Reid has reportedly struck a deal with the producer to judge the show and leave his current position in Universal Music Group.
- March 17, 2011
AceShowbiz -
Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid is the first name mentioned as one of the confirmed three judges who would join Simon Cowell on "The X Factor (US)". THR's sources said "it's a done deal" for Reid who would be released from his contract with Universal Music earlier in order to concentrate on the show.
The show is partnering with Sony Music in giving the winner a recording contract worth $5 million. It is believed that Reid is to land a position at the recording company which will undergo a major management restructuring when current UMG chairman Doug Morris sits as its CEO on July 1.
Cowell said recently that the official announcement would be made this week. Some names which have emerged as the possible candidates are Paula Abdul, George Michael, Mariah Carey and Nicole Scherzinger. "We've taken it down to a smaller group of people and she's in that panel," Cowell confirmed earlier this month about Paula. "But, you know, it's more than me who makes the decision."
Auditions for "The X Factor" begin March 27 in Los Angeles.
