Former 'American Idol' judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell will be reuniting, as the 'Straight Up' singer has officially signed on to act as a judge on the US version of Cowell's singing competition, 'X Factor.' In addition to Abdul, Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger and British TV personality Steve Jones will acting as the hosts of the show.

Over the past few weeks, Simon Cowell has been outspoken about wanting Abdul to join 'X Factor.' Well, Cowell must be a happy man right now, since Abdul will be taking her rightful spot alongside her 'Idol' co-star, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Upon Abdul's confirmation of her appearance on the show, Cowell enthusiastically spoke to FOX, and showed his softer, sentimental side. "This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this -- I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show," Cowell says.

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of 'The X Factor.'  I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show," Paula Abdul says while talking to FOX.  "I'm looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey -- we're going to have a blast.  I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

Up until now, Simon Cowell has been signing on high-profile artists like Abdul, Scherzinger, and British songstress Cheryl Cole. However, he took an interesting risk with the recruitment of Steve Jones, who is virtually unknown to American audiences. Despite this, Cowell seems to have a well-calculated plan brewing in his head, so we are excited to see how everything plays out.

Record exec/producer Antonio 'L.A.' Reid will also be on the judge's panel, and new mommy Mariah Carey will have some part in the show when it begins airing in September.

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