英伦玫瑰谢丽尔·科尔无缘美国版《The X Factor》评委

In the U.S. television battle of the British pop stars, Cheryl Cole is out of Fox's "The X Factor" and Nicole Scherzinger will replace her as judge on the Fox singing contest.

After a swirl of rumors that Cole would be dropped, Fox and "X Factor" producers confirmed the switch on Monday that moves Scherzinger from co-host to judge of the show created by Simon Cowell.

Previously announced co-host Steve Jones, a popular British TV personality, will be the sole host when the show debuts this fall.

Reports had circulated that Cole lacked chemistry with the other panelists, including former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, and appeared uncomfortable in the U.S. format that has been taping early episodes. Other judges include Cowell and Antonio "L.A." Reid.

Cole was a judge on the original British "X Factor" and Cowell reportedly had tried to keep her on the U.S. version.

Scherzinger, last year's "Dancing With the Stars" champ, is a former member of the pop group Pussycat Dolls and has appeared on the British "The X Factor," while Cole found fame with the pop group Girls Aloud.