Simon Cowell will be surrounded by women when THE X FACTOR returns for its third season this fall on FOX. Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland and international pop star Paulina Rubio join him and Demi Lovato as judges on the hit singing competition series.
Simon Cowell said today, “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.”
“I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and THE X FACTOR family,” said Rowland. “It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states!”
“I love THE X FACTOR! I can’t wait to find the next big music star here in America,” added Rubio. “I’m so thrilled to be part of the show as a judge. Simon, be careful what you wish for, let’s see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo!”
A pop star since the age of 16, Kelly Rowland grew up in the spotlight as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling groups of all time. Her powerful voice was a key ingredient in the group’s awe-inspiring list of chart-toppers and dance floor smashes, including four No. 1 singles in the U.S. and more than 60 million albums sold worldwide. The group received 14 Grammy Award nominations, and won three times, including Best R&B Song in 2001 for “Say My Name.” As a solo artist, Rowland has released three successful studio albums – “Simply Deep,” “Ms. Kelly” and “Here I Am” – selling more than five million records. Rowland’s first forays as a soloist contributed to the 2002 Grammy Award-winning song, “Dilemma (with Nelly),” and have been further evidenced by her gold and platinum solo albums. Her upcoming album, “Talk a Good Game,” will be released June 18. Rowland served as a judge on the eighth season of the U.K. version of “The X Factor.”
Paulina Rubio, considered to be one of the most influential contemporary Latin artists, has sold more than 20 million records around the world and has released 10 studio albums. Raised in Mexico, she began her professional music career in 1984, as a member of the popular teen pop group, Timbiriche. Since going solo in 1992, Rubio has created major hits both in English and Spanish and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards in the category of Best Latin Pop Album. Her prominence as an international artist extends to the digital world, as well. Official YouTube/VEVO views of Rubio’s videos exceed 87 million. She has more than 1.2 million Facebook “likes” and more than 6.6 million Twitter followers.
“We are thrilled that Kelly and Paulina are joining Demi on the panel this season, in what is sure to be a triple threat of talented and successful women against Simon week-to-week,” noted Mike Darnell, President, Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “This is an incredible panel of judges and we can’t wait for fans to see what’s in store for Season Three of THE X FACTOR.”
“Kelly’s incredible talent as a member of one of the world’s most successful groups, Destiny’s Child, combined with her judging experience as part of the U.K. version of ‘The X Factor,’ make her an ideal choice to join this talented panel,” said Trish Kinane, executive producer for FremantleMedia North America. “Paulina is an amazing Latin superstar who brings glamour and fiery passion to the judges’ table. We welcome both of them in joining Simon, Demi and Mario in what will prove to be an exciting season.”
Last season, Tate Stevens was crowned THE X FACTOR Season Two winner and was awarded a recording contract, as well as production and creative support to develop, create, record and shoot his first original track and music video. Tate’s video debuted as a Pepsi commercial during the live telecast of the “55th Annual GRAMMY Awards®” and soon after, he released his first single, “Power of a Love Song.” He released his self-titled debut album last month.
Along with Stevens, THE X FACTOR discovered an amazing amount of diverse recording artists last season, such as finalists Fifth Harmony, Emblem3 and Carly Rose Sonenclar, all of whom also are working on their debut albums. Emblem3 are set to join Selina Gomez on her summer concert tour series this year and have just released their debut single, “Chloe (You’re The One I Want).”
“The X Factor” format has created global superstars, including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd and Olly Murs. Artists discovered by the competition series have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 No. 1s, 270 Top 10 records and 500 Top 50 releases. THE X FACTOR is now aired in 191 countries, and local versions of “The X Factor” are now commissioned in 41 territories.
