Cheryl Cole’s US X Factor dreams were cast in to doubt as an insider claimed she may be set to lose out on the judge’s role to Rihanna or Katy Perry.
A pal of Cheryl’s rumoured boyfriend Derek Hough told The Sun that US TV bosses are arguing with Simon Cowell over her appointment as judge, and would prefer a big American star guaranteed to pull in viewers.
The source said: “Everyone thinks Cheryl has the judging job on US X Factor in the bag.
“The truth is, nothing has been signed and the producers still aren’t convinced.
“They are more keen to get a big US star like Katy or Rihanna on the panel – someone who will bring credibility to the show and who is already popular in the US.”
It was reported last year that Cheryl had been offered a £3 million contract to join Simon on the US X Factor judging panel, and the 27-year-old singer further fuelled the rumours when she was spotted house-hunting in Los Angeles with Derek.
Fox TV’s Head of Entertainment Peter Rice also publicly praised her as a ‘terrific’ judge.
But it seems as though other Fox network bosses need convincing she can pull the same kind of viewing figures attracted by rival show American idol’s star-studded judging panel.
The source added: “Simon has been the only one pushing for her and trying to convince everyone that she’ll be a big hit.
“They want to see if the American public warm to her before she takes on such a high-profile role in one of the biggest shows on US TV.
“There have been lots of heated conversations and debates about it.”
what will it take to you get convince with cheryl’s hard work ability ? this is so unfair, cheryl deserves this job pls just her a chance!!! didn’t katy perry say she cant do the xfactor us job? and rihanna can just join cheryl on the judging panel