Cheryl Cole to judge US `X Factor`

London: Singer Cheryl Cole will be joining the judging panel of the US version of the `X Factor` despite rumours of a rejection due to her strong British accent, says record producer L A Reid. The 27-year-old singer, who is already a judge on the UK version of the show, was skeptical of her selection due to her British accent.

But according to Reid, Cole was finally selected and will join show boss Simon Cowell and a mystery third person on the panel when it launches in September, reported the Daily Mirror. "We`re gonna compete against `American Idol`, which is just fine. I`m very confident. But along with Simon Cowell and Cheryl, I don`t know who the other judge is," said Reid. Cowell is believed to have pushed TV bosses at network Fox, who are making the series, to sign up Cheryl even though she has a relatively low profile stateside. "He believes Cheryl has that rare ability to connect with viewers that few others have. "Even though she is still relatively unknown, Simon told Fox TV executives that Cheryl will prove an instant success with viewers when the series begins," said a source. Speculation as to who the third judge will be has included Paula Abdul, Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger, George Michael and Nicki Minaj, while music legend Stevie Wonder has also put himself forward over the weekend. "Simon should give me a buzz. I love `X Factor` and to be a judge would be great. Seeking out for new talent? I have an ear for it," said Wonder. PTI