Kelly Rowland is the next in line to judge and mentor, joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato, on “The X Factor USA”.
According to trusted reports, the “Dirty Laundry” and “Ice” singer is very close to solidifying a major deal.
An official announcement is expected within the next day or so, aligning a refreshed judging panel for season three of the reality singing competition, which holds auditions in North Carolina Tuesday (tomorrow).
As widely reported, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Britney Spears parted ways with “X Factor USA” last Fall, leaving two vacant seats.
Paulina Rubio is said to be in talks to round out the panel of four.
Sources tell FOX is moving away from casting megastars like Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey in favor of lesser-known artists with experience on similar series.
Rowland served as a judge on the eighth season of the UK version of The X Factor, and Rubio served as a judge on La Voz Mexico. She also has been tapped as a judge for Telemundo’s La Voz Kids.
“Rowland was on the highest-rated UK season,” a source close to the show tells. “We have a lot of faith in her as a judge.”
In related news, Kelly Rowland made a stunning appearance at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Sunday night.