It’s Official: Paula Abdul Joins “X-Factor”

Culminating a lengthy build-up, Fox announced Sunday that Paula Abdul will indeed be joining Simon Cowell on the judges panel of his new TV show, "The X Factor."

"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can' t believe I am saying this -- I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she' s on the show," said Cowell.

Abdul, whose playful bickering with Cowell became a signature of "American Idol," joins Steve Jones (um, who?) and Nicole Scherzinger, who Fox also announced will co-host the U.S. version of the British show.

Jones is a British TV personality little known in the U.S., and Scherzinger is a former Pussycat Dolls lead singer and solo artist.

"These two are going to be great together," Cowell said. "I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star. Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the U.K. " X Factor" last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented."

Jones and Scherzinger join previously announced judges Cowell, Cheryl Cole, and Antonio "L.A." Reid. The show debuts in September.

Auditions are ongoing in Dallas and will continue on Thursday.

From thewrap.com.