Kelly Rowland and Courtney Love are both rumored to be joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato on the X Factor judging panel for the upcoming third season.
Rumors have been flying about who will replace last season’s judges L.A. Reid and Britney Spears. It has been confirmed that Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato are returning, but no confirmed news yet as to who will be joining them.
Reports have been floating around for several weeks that Rowland is a front-runner to replace Spears. Rowland was previously a judge on The X Factor (UK), but left in 2011. She is best known as an original member of Destiny’s Child, and has gone on to have a successful solo career post-Beyonce.
Former 90s grunge queen Courtney Love seems an odd choice to join the judging panel, but she may well bring in viewers anxious to see what she will say and do. She has a history of erratic behavior, and who knows what kind of interaction she and Simon would have? The former Hole front-woman has tried out everything from acting to modeling after Hole broke up, but maybe reality show judging will be the right fit for her?
Love said in an interview with Wonderland Magazine:
I don’t know if it’s gonna happen or not, but they’re looking at me to judge one of these talent shows. Some people go on them and they have butterflies come out of their ass. I’m not saying I’m gonna go on and be a c***, but I would just be myself. I’m not afraid to be honest. I always said I would never, ever, ever do one, but I’m not talking about the one judging dogs – it’s the other one, I don’t wanna say the name of it. If Ellen DeGeneres can be a judge, I mean, hello?
While she doesn’t mention X Factor specifically, one can assume that “the one judging dogs” is America’s Got Talent. X Factor and AGT are the only major reality competition shows currently looking for judges. Idol and The Voice are mid-season, with judging or coaching panels intact.
The X Factor is expected to announce the new judging panel on May 14, at Fox’s NYC upfront presentation for advertisers.