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'X Factor's' Simon Cowell on Cheryl Cole: 'I was probably wrong'

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July 29, 2011 2:05 PM ET

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cheryl-cole-simon-cowell-jan-2011-gi.jpgAfter all the drama over casting the judges for FOX's upcoming "The X Factor," judge and producer Simon Cowell tells Zap2it he may have been wrong about axing Cheryl Cole and takes the responsibility.

Cole, a wildly popular singer in the U.K. and a judge on the show there, was initially in the line-up for the American version of the singing contest debuting Sept. 21. 

"I worked with her for years in the U.K., and she was sensational," he says. "We shot a couple of days, and I just had a feeling -- and I was probably wrong - and I think she would disagree with this. And I thought she would be more comfortable on the U.K. show, and we spoke to her."

"Initially she agreed to it, and we were way into a negotiation," Cowell says. "And it all went public and it all went horribly wrong. And she was offered to come back to the show. And she didn't want to go on that. It was one of those decisions you have to make as a producer."

The show reunites Cowell with former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger join them on the panel. 
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 |  Comments (33)

No, Simon, you weren't wrong. The only thing you were wrong about was bringing Cheryl to the US to begin with.

Jo | July 29, 2011 2:22 PM

Simon was right to get rid of her. Cheryl is lovely but I'm sorry her accent is something that would not work for the US. It's was the right decision to get her on. I just hope she wasn't on in the first place. It would have saved all this drama and bitterness.

Ann | July 29, 2011 2:47 PM

I think it was a mistake to fire her. I watched the UK show and really loved her. Yes i had to listen intently for the first show, but by the second show I understood her perfectly.

David | July 29, 2011 3:03 PM

Cheryl is sooooo AWESOME! To Simon Cowell you are one BIG LIAR! The Hollywood Reporter said that you Simon never offer the job back to Cheryl. WOW Simon what a to treat a friend. I WILL NEVER WATCH X FACTOR U.S. from a proud American fan of Cheryl

Lisa | July 29, 2011 3:14 PM

Cheryl must have got the shock of her life when she went to the U.S. to find it was all a game. TO SIMON YOU ARE ONE HORRIBLE PERSON!

Stan | July 29, 2011 3:17 PM

I was very excited to hear she was coming to the American X-factor, cause I loved her on Britain X-factor. And sad again. I like her :o( Bad decision Simon...

Anonymous | July 29, 2011 3:42 PM

Since "American Idol" has been so much better this year without Mr. Cowell, maybe Cheryl should be here and he should go back to "dear old Blighty".

D A Keith | July 29, 2011 5:22 PM

@Lisa

Well if the Hollywood Reporter said it then its true!!!

DGH | July 29, 2011 5:34 PM

Its a bit too late to be sorry... Cheryls accent was never a problem and Simon knew very well she wanted to be in US... She even bought an apartment in LA. ITs normal for anyone to be nervous in a new job, and if you add a new country... Come on! she only needed time and He just axed her. Bad choice she is great

Xkaret | July 29, 2011 7:07 PM

He's more wrong about hiring the Pussycat Doll. Woman has had like 7 attempted solo singles at this point, all flops. I don't think she should mentor anyone. I don't think she's all that popular, either.

Larry | July 29, 2011 7:11 PM
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