Cowell wants Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole for ‘X Factor’

Simon Cowell wants his former ‘American Idol’ sparring partner Paula Abdul and British singer Cheryl Cole join him on the U.S. version of his TV talent contest ‘The X Factor’. But, the music impresario told entertainment industry website Deadline Hollywood, no deals have yet been signed to complete the lineup for the show, which is due to start airing on Fox television in September.

So far only the acid-tongued Briton himself and record executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid have been confirmed as judges on ‘X Factor’, which is offering a $5 million prize to the winner and a recording contract.

“I’ve always wanted Paula,” Cowell told Deadline Hollywood in an interview released on Sunday.

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