Simon Cowell Says L.A. Reid Brings 'Credibility' To 'The X-Factor'; Confirms Meeting With Nicki Minaj

The UK’s most talked about dream making and breaking judge is gearing up to make his return to stateside television sets. After leaving his spot as a judge on the hit program, American Idol, earlier last year Simon Cowell announced he would be bringing The X-Factor to American soil. So far, ex-Def Jam president, L.A. Reid has been also been confirmed as a judge.

“I think it’s incredible to have a talent like L.A. on the show, it only brings more credibility and excitement to The X-Factor. He’s arguably one of the greatest hit-makers in the world,” Cowell explained to VIBE.

After months of speculation, Simon revealed that he had been in contact with Reid for about a year before making their final decision.

“He was one of my first choices to bring on. After years in the music industry, you have look at who has continued to stay relevant — I’m just extremely happy that L.A. will be joining me. He’s really almost like a producer on the show, now.”

As more names are tossed in the rumor mill for the remaining two slots for judges to included on the program, Cowell confirmed that he has met with Nicki Minaj, but would not reveal any final names.

“We’ve spoken to [Nicki] but we’ve met so many people that’s it's just a long, exhausting process that we have to deal with. It’ll be announced in the next week. We were actually introduced a few weeks ago."

Rihanna, Jessica Simpson and Enrique Iglesias are also rumored to be possible judges on The X-Factor. Auditions for the show are scheduled to begin on March 27th in Los Angeles (more information on auditions available here)

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