Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole confirmed for American "X Factor"

They've both been the objects of rumors regarding the new American version of "The X Factor" and now Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole have been confirmed for the gig.

According to a new interview with Deadline, "X Factor" honcho Simon Cowell has made it official that he wants both ladies as judges when the show hits airwaves this fall, though no contracts have been signed yet.

Cowell explained, "First of all, it's like casting a dinner party. You've got to have people on the panel you get on well with.

The former "Idol" judge also spoke openly of his desire to work alongside Paula Abdul.

"I've always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. And I've been consistent about this. I don't know what it is about her, but I've always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she's right," Simon said.

"I've never found anyone better than her. I think there's a good chance it will be her. We've agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we're reaching the deadline we've got to make the decision soon. But I think she's got a really good shot."

Cowell also noted that he chose Cole for very specific reasons, explaining, "When I hired her initially, I'd only met her literally once when I offered her the job on [British] 'X Factor.' I thought she was bright, cute, knew what she was talking about, ambitious. And you meet someone special a few times in your life... and this girl is special."

He continued, "She's just got a great ability to communicate. She's a great judge. She's smart. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she's going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her."

Former record label exec L.A. Reid was announced as the first judge joining Simon for the FOX reality competition when it debuts this fall.

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