Simon has huge faith that RiRi could help boost the ratings with her worldwide appeal and that Breezy would be a perfect candidate to fill in the vacant spot left by L.A. Reid.
- Dec 15, 2012
AceShowbiz - With L.A. Reid leaving, Simon Cowell starts the search of a new replacement for the upcoming season of "The X Factor (US)". The Sun reports the British media mogul, who helped launch the successful career of One Direction, wants Rihanna and on-off boyfriend Chris Brown on his singing competition.
"Simon is a huge admirer of Rihanna and knows she's star quality. As well as bringing an aura to the panel thanks to her current standing in music, she is also feisty and will make great TV. Simon loves these sort of characters," a source says. He would love to have her sitting on the judging panel of either the U.S. or U.K. version.
This coming Christmas reportedly will be a perfect opportunity for Simon to meet RiRi. The former judge of "American Idol" will continue his tradition to enjoy the festive holiday in her home country of Barbados, while the "We Found Love" hitmaker is expected to fly back home to spend the holiday with her family.
As for Breezy, Simon is confident that the "Don't Judge Me" singer will be a good addition to the judge despite his bad boy reputation. "The US X Factor has improved on the first season's ratings but it's got some way to go to reach Simon's expectations. Adding Chris to the panel will certainly create a talking point," the source claims.
L.A. Reid leaves "The X Factor" to focus his energy on running his record label. "I have a company to run that I�ve kind of neglected and it saddens me a little bit, but only a little bit," the CEO of Epic Records told Access Hollywood. "I have a huge responsibility to a roster of artists and it's kind of time for me to stop doing the 'me' show."
Calling his stint on the singing competition that lasted for two seasons "a nice break," Reid did not rule out the possibility of ever coming back. But, he's "definitely not coming back next year." So, whom is he rooting for to replace him? "I have nothing to do with it, but my choice would be like Jon Bon Jovi," he said. "That's who I would pick."
