Nicole, Paula and Steve out of US ‘X Factor’

Washington: Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Steve Jones have all reportedly been axed from the US ‘X Factor’ ahead of its second season.

According to reports, show boss Simon Cowell wants to “take the show in a different direction”, and has only guaranteed record producer L.A. Reid a place on the panel next year, Contactmusic reported. “At this point, the only ones staying are Simon and L.A. Reid. Simon wants to take the show in a different direction. The plan is to part ways amicably,” a source told E! News. While a Fox spokesperson confirmed the departure of both Jones - whose presenting style on the show was slammed by one critic as “utterly irrelevant” - and Scherzinger, he could not comment on Paula’s rumoured departure from the series. The show’s host Jones took to twitter to express his disappointment at being dropped from the singing contest after just one series. “I won’t be hosting next seasons XFactor which is a shame but I cant complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show,” Jones Meanwhile, an insider said Scherzinger is keen to leave the series so she can dedicate more time to her music career. “She wants to focus on her music career. She’s spoken to Simon and he’s given her his blessing. X Factor’ took a lot more of her time than she ever expected. She didn’t have any time really to work on her music,” the insider added. ANI