Confirmed: Kelly Rowland Joins ‘The X Factor’ as Judge

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Kelly Rowland is all set to drop a new album this summer (Talk a Good Game) and it’s already been confirmed this will be the Destiny’s Child singer’s most open album, and most are already loving the new very raw Kelly that has no qualms telling anyone she’s jealous of Beyonce and had to overcome an abusive relationship in order to learn how to love herself in her new music. However, music isn’t the only thing Kelly has lined up these days. In fact, it’s been speculated for several weeks the singer was in talks to join “The X Factor” as a judge. Apparently, Kelly was able to draw interest from the show’s head honcho Simon Cowell, and he has been negotiating with Kelly to secure her spot on the show for several days. It’s now been confirmed by Cowell that Kelly will be joining the show next season. Kelly and Paulina Rubio will be replacing Britney Spears and L.A. Reid. The Hollywood Reporter writes:

It’s official. Joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato as judges on season three of The X Factor U.S. will be singers Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio, Fox has announced.

Said Cowell in a statement: “It’s taken more than a decade but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!). 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.”

Kelly previously appeared as a judge on the eighth season of “The x Factor U.K.,” so it makes sense for Simon to consider her for the American version. As for Kelly, she said via a statement that she’s very excited to sign on to the show:

“I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell. It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states!”

Congrats to Kelly.