British Pop Star Cheryl Cole to Join Simon Cowell as 'X Factor' Judge

After months of speculation about who would fill the next judge's slot on Simon Cowell's singing competition 'The X Factor,' FOX confirmed the job will go to British pop singer Cheryl Cole. 

"I'm thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show, and has been fantastic to work with," Cowell said of Cole, 27. "She is also a complete brat! Most importantly, this girl can spot talent."

Cole -- who has sat alongside Cowell as a judge on the U.K. version of the show for three years -- is a multi-platinum-selling solo artist and a member of Girls Aloud, one of the U.K.'s most successful female vocal groups of all time. She will be joining Cowell, record mogul L.A. Reid, and an additional judge yet to be announced, as they conduct auditions throughout the U.S. in search of the next global superstar or group.

The British singer said she can't wait to be able to spar with Cowell at the judges table. "I just can't decide whether I am more excited to find and nurture the talent, or for the unbelievable amount of amusement and entertainment I will have watching Simon doing everything and anything he can to beat me. He's tried to beat me for three years in the U.K., and hasn't even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this."

The winner of "The X Factor" will win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. The show debuts this fall on FOX, with the next set of auditions taking place in Dallas, TX, on May 26.