Cole out, Scherzinger in for 'X-Factor'

LOS ANGELES, June 6 (UPI) -- Singer Nicole Scherzinger is to replace Cheryl Cole as a judge on the U.S. version of the TV talent show "The X-Factor," Fox announced Monday.

Scherzinger will join panelists Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on the soon-to-start series on which contestants will compete for a $5 million dollar recording contract, EW.com reported.

Cole, a pop star who was a judge on the original British version of "The X-Factor," was announced as part of the show's U.S. team of judges last month but she left after participating in early judging rounds, the entertainment news Web site said.

It is unclear exactly why she left or what roles she may play on the U.S. and British versions of the show in the future.