Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio Join “X Factor” Judges’ Panel
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Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — The rumors are true. Fox announced Monday night that one-time Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and Mexican singer Paulina Rubio will be joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato on the judges’ panel when The X Factor returns this fall.
“It’s taken more than a decade, but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!), Cowell declared in a statement. “Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different.”
Rowland and Rubio fill the vacancies left by the departures of Britney Spears and L.A. Reid.
Rowland served as a judge on the British version of The X Factor in 2011.
“I am very exciting to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and The X Factor family,” said Rowland in a statement. “It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states.”
Rubio, who has sold more than 20 million records and released 10 studio albums, said in a statement, “I love The X Factor. I can’t wait to find the next big music star here in America. Simon, be careful what you wish for. Let’s see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo.”
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