Simon Cowell May Go With Two Hosts for Next Season’s ‘X Factor’

In a concerted effort to differentiate itself from 'American Idol,' which judge/producer Simon Cowell feels the show failed to do during Season 1, 'X Factor' may feature two hosts on Season 2.

The initial plan was to have Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger share the hosting duties, but that plan was scrapped when the Scherz quickly filled the mentor positioned vacated by Cheryl Cole. With Jones and the ex-Pussycat Doll dismissed from their jobs with the show, the idea of a tandem of hosts has been resurrected.

"Simon's vision was always to have a man and woman host this and to make it feel a little bit like an award ceremony,” FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz, told TV Guide. "A glamorous girl and a good-looking guy doing a kind of double act."

Frot-Coutaz also expounded on the idea that 'X' was too similar to 'Idol,' and that Cowell's love-hate relationship with Paula Abdul was too familiar, thanks to their patented 'Idol' banter. It was a case of "been there, done that," and it showed in the ratings, which were less than spectacular.

"There was no way around it," Frot-Coutaz said. "In terms of making the show feel different, everyone felt we needed to put it in a different situation."

And that's why half the judging panel and the host were terminated in favor of a clean slate.