Updated Report: Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul Off of THE X FACTOR

THE X FACTOR season 2 is going to look drastically different.

Just hours after Steve Jones announced he wouldn’t be returning to host next season, E! Online is reporting that judge Nicole Scherzinger is also out. (Fox has not yet replied to our request for comment.)

While Scherzinger was able to guide Josh Krajcik, one of her contestants, to the finals, she drew a lot of viewer ire after she chose to let America decide whether Marcus Canty or Rachel Crow would move forward with only a few weeks to go in the competition. (In case you missed that debacle, Rachel was eliminated and infamously had an on-stage meltdown.)

Um, now that we’re down one judge and a host, who the heck should fill their spots?

UPDATE: Deadline is reporting Paula Abdul is also gone. My interest in next season has drastically decreased in a span of a few hours.

January 31st, UPDATE:  Abdul confirmed her exit via a statement: “Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to The X Factor next season.  I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations.  Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.  Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams.  This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.”

Related:

THE X FACTOR’s Steve Jones Says He Won’t Be Back for Season 2

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