'The X Factor': Cast Weighs In on How Show Handled Cheryl Cole's Exit

Fox's The X Factor has five big personalities to judge and guide its contestants: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid and host Steve Jones.our editor recommends'The X Factor's' Nicole Scherzinger on First Day as Judge: 'I Can Barf or Say Rock-N-Roll' (Q&A)'The X Factor' Steve Jones: 6 Things to Know About the Show's Host'The X Factor' Schedule Revealed'The X Factor': 5 Things We Learned From Sunday's 8-Minute Promo (Video)'X Factor': Behind the Scenes of THRs Cover Photoshoot (Video)'X Factor' Drama: Cheryl Cole Breaks Silence'X Factor' Brutality at Auditions: 'L.A.' Reid Meaner Than Simon Cowell; Audience Urged Not to Boo'X Factor' Producer Fires Back at 'Idol' Creator Simon Fuller's Lawsuit (Exclusive) THR COVER STORY: What the X Is This All About? But, that wasn't always the case. British singer and personality Cheryl Cole was once slated for Scherzinger's seat. But then she was publicly let go. PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes: THR's 'X Factor' Cover Shoot In several exclusive no-holds barred interviews with The Hollywood Reporter, the current reality personalities discussed the drama, each giving their take when posed with the question: do you think Cheryl Cole's exitcould have been handled differently? THR's Complete 'X Factor' Coverage SIMON COWELL "You make right and wrong decisions when you produce TV shows, but I stand by the decisions I've made. And I stand by the fact that I'm entitled to make decisions as a producer, and if I'm wrong, I'll hold my hands up. I'll always continue to work this way. If I don't think something is quite right,without throwing someone under the bus, I'll do what I think is right at the time, rather than months later go, 'I wish I'd said something.' ...Some people said it was a publicity stunt, to which I say, 'That's a bloody expensive publicity stunt!'" STORY: Simon Cowell to 'X Factor' Hopefuls: Don't Sing These 5 Songs VIDEO: Behind the Scenes of THR's 'X Factor' Cover Shoot PAULA ABDUL "There probably could have been better ways of dealing with it. She is the most über-popular, beloved girl. When you're that much in the public eye, you become strong and face adversity. But still, she's human. It's never comfortable." PHOTOS: Fall TV's 12 Most Anticipated Shows L.A. REID "I don't know what the thinking might have been behind any of those [decisions]. The synergy was potentially there with Cheryl, who I thought was beautiful and would be a great judge, and Nicole is beautiful and talented. I think they both would make great judges. ... But there were no conversations, right. And on this show, I'm not the producer, I don't work for Fox or Fremantle, I'm just a judge. I stay in my place." PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline NICOLE SCHERZINGER "I have no idea how it could have been handled. Simon said, 'You know Nicole? It's not about us, it's about the contestants, the show and what's best for that.' And that's where my head is. It's about moving forward. All I know is they offered me the job and I'm going to show up and do the best I can. That's what its about. The proof is in the pudding, I'm just going be good at my job." PHOTOS: 'The X Factor': Simon Cowell's New Judging Team STEVE JONES "It'snot for me to say. I was disappointed things turned out the way they had, mostly disappointed because I didn't get a chance to work with Cheryl. But she's a good girl. She's been through a lot. I'm sure she'll bounce back and when I spoke to her after, she seemed fine. But I do miss hanging out with her." Twitter: @shirleyhalperin Related Topics Nicole Scherzinger Paula Abdul Simon Cowell Fox Broadcasting Corporation Antonio L.A. Reid Cheryl Cole Steve Jones The X Factor

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