Fox exec defends 'X Factor' cast changes

[ntscuser]

Fox alternative entertainment president Mike Darnell has spoken out about the decision to refresh the X Factor USA judging lineup.



Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and host Steve Jones were let go from the show in light of lower ratings than had been expected.

Producer Simon Cowell and LA Reid, who recently signed on for season two, will be the only original cast members returning.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Darnell stated: "Season one was basically an audition act. Simon got one big new star out of it - LA Reid, and that was great casting. There's going to be a natural reassessment."

Of Abdul's departure, the exec said: "Paula was an interesting call. She and Simon are great friends, so it was just a dynamic conversation about what's the nature of the group going to be. And I think we decided to pull the Band-Aid off as quickly as possible."

Fox reportedly hopes that new faces will bolster the viewership, with the network expected to make modifications to the spinoff's format and content in addition to the judging alterations.

"There definitely will be lots of different changes in the show," Darnell confirmed.

Fox will be on the search for new judges in the coming months. Mariah Carey was recently suggested as a possible candidate.