Simon Cowell Picks First 'X Factor' Judge; 'L.A' Reid

Mar. 16 2011, Published 2:15 p.m. ET
Simon Cowell has picked the first of four judges for his new show and signed Antonio 'L.A' Reid to take a hot seat, RadarOnline.com has learned.
The Island Def Jam Chairman will give his critique on the US version of The X Factor when it takes to the air later this year.
In fact, according to the Hollywood Reporter, the music executive has been let out of his contract with Universal early so that he can take his place on the judging panel when auditions start later this month.
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No other judges have been confirmed yet but Cowell says George Michael, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul are all being considered for the show.
And details of the host might not be far away either, with rumors that Enrique Iglesias is set to take the coveted job.
The winner of the singing show, which is a already a huge hit in the UK, will win a $5 million contract with Sony.
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