Paula Abdul leaving ‘The X Factor’ with Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones

While it was reported earlier that judge Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones would be leaving Fox’s The X Factor, it is now being reported that judge Paula Abdul will be joining them. According to reports, Abdul will not be back for the show’s second season, leaving just Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid as the only returning judges.

Fans of the show first found out that Jones was definitely leaving when he announced his departure on Twitter, writing, “I wont be hosting next seasons XFactor which is a shame but I cant complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show.”

Then, E! News was told by a source that Scherzinger will be cut from the show as well. The source said that she is leaving to “ ...focus on her music career” and that Cowell has given her “his blessing.” A representative for Fox later confirmed the news.

Just a few hours later, E! News learned from another source that Abdul was being let go because Cowell “wants to take the show in a different direction.” This has not been confirmed by a Fox or Abdul representative.

Representatives for Cowell have also been quiet on the reports. According to People, his representative would not confirm anything, only saying that "This happens after every show or series...No decisions have been made that I am aware of."

Jones’ departure was expected. Last month, a report said that he was about to leave and earlier this month, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said during the Television Critics Association press tour that changes will be made, reports Entertainment Weekly. “I think everybody has come to see the value of Ryan Seacrest. Whether Steve is the guy or not, it comes under the heading of growth in general,” Reilly said at the time.