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What did you think of X Factor’s big debut last night?
Simon Cowell was back at the judges’ desk, along with his pal Paula Abdul and music producer L.A. Reid. We also got to see British judge Cheryl Cole in the first hour before she was replaced by former Sing-Off judge and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
Although there had been buzz that Cole’s accent was too much for American audiences, Simon told Piers Morgan this week that he axed Cole because she looked ‘bewildered’ on the panel.
As for Scherzinger? She’s not faring well with critics. USA TODAY’s Brian Mansfield writes in today’s Idol Chatter blog: “When she goes into her little-girl act, judge/mentor Nicole Scherzinger makes Paula Abdul look smart.”
The New York Times said Nicole is ‘a downgrade’ from Cheryl.
The Chicago Tribune notes “Scherzinger doesn’t come off as an obvious improvement in the early going. She’s more earnest like Kara DioGuardi than lovable like Jennifer Lopez.”
And TV Guide wondered why the change was necessary, saying: “Cheryl was awesome, made total sense and was adorable to boot.”

Cheryl Cole.

The highly anticipated American version of the ‘X-Factor’ has already created media buzz after premiering Wednesday night.
Controversy surrounds ‘X-Factor’ judge Simon Cowell’s decision to fire fellow judge British Cheryl Cole from the show.
The British singing sensation previously served as a judge on the U.K.’s version of ‘X-Factor,’ and appeared alongside Cowell during auditions in Los Angeles before she was let go from the American show.
“I took the view, along with a few other people, that she would have been more comfortable back in the U.K.” – Cowell said while on ‘Piers Morgan.’
Although short-lived, Cole’s position as judge has earned her praise. After viewing a sample of the show ahead of its broadcast, fans and critics claim Cole greatly surpasses her replacement, Nicole Scherzinger.
“It’s a downgrade. Ms. Cole showed glimmers of being interesting” – The New York Times reported.
“Cowell has said he replaced Cole because she seemed ‘bewildered,’ but on a first impression, she is much more interesting than Scherzinger, if only for her fabulous Geordie accent” – reported the Los Angeles Times.
Also, a reporter for The Chicago Tribune reviewed Cole, writing that Scherzinger is not an ‘obvious improvement’ to the British singer.
Actress Lisa Rinna expressed her opinion on Twitter, writing: “I understood every word Cheryl Cole said did you? I think she’s sweet, lovely and vulnerable all amazing qualities for a show like this.”
Viewer Kyle wrote: “I want Cheryl Cole back!”
“I like Nicole Scherzinger and all but Cheryl Cole lights up my screen everytime they show her” – wrote Twitter user Charles.
Scherzinger joins Cowell, Paula Abdul, and L.A. Reid at the judges table.
The judges use their own experience to discover America’s next superstar, and offer the biggest prize in television history this season – a $5 million record deal.

After months of commercials and sound bites from Simon Cowell, ‘X Factor’ finally premiered on Fox Wednesday night.
The show, of course is supposed to be about music and talented singers—like Stacy Francis from Brooklyn—but after the first episode the story was all about the judges.
Going into the premiere, much of the focus was on Cowell and Paula Abdul’s return to the judges table, but that was trumped by the replacement of one judge half way through the premiere.
Viewers were somewhat confused when Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Doll’s replaced British recording-artist Cheryl Cole after the Los Angeles auditions.
Rumors swirling around the entertainment business say Cole’s thick accent may have been her downfall. But Simon Cowell told Piers Morgan that Cole was fired because she looked ‘bewildered’ on the panel.
There was a clear difference between Cole and Scherzinger—which was apparently early on in the second hour after the Pussycat Doll stood up with Paula Abdul and danced in front of the stage during one performance. Cole seemed comfortable just sitting in her seat and critiquing the auditions.
And it looks like the critics have Cole’s back on this one.
USA Today writer Brian Mansfield wrote – “When she goes into her little-girl act, judge/mentor Nicole Scherzinger makes Paula Abdul look smart.”
That hurts.
The New York Times said Cole’s replacement was a ‘downgrade.’
There were some other notable moments from the judges, like the ‘rivalry’ between Cowell and music producer L.A. Reid.
So for now Fox’s new talent show features – Cowell, Reid, Abdul and Scherzinger. Cole fans might be disappointed with Cowell’s decision to drop her, but she did earn some fans Wednesday night.