Former Spice Girls singer Mel B has honed her skills as a reality competition judge on America’s Got Talent and she’ll be taking that experience home to the U.K. She has been confirmed as the fourth and final judge for the U.K. edition of Simon Cowell’s The X Factor.
Cowell’s SyCo announced the news on Twitter today. She will judge alongside Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh.
“I thought she was fantastic as a guest judge a couple of years ago. She is feisty, opinionated and, I believe, will be a great mentor,” Cowell said in a statement released by ITV, which broadcasts the show in the U.K.
Mel B added that she enjoyed her stint as guest judge in 2012 and is happy to be back. “I’ve always thought honesty is the best policy when being a judge and that’s what I’m going to bring more of this year - whether it’s spotting an incredible singer, giving someone a reality check or debating with Simon over who’s got it wrong!” she said. “Now I can’t wait to get started and find some amazing talent.”
ITV also said that Dermot O’Leary will be back as host.
While The X Factor continues to be a hit overseas, the show’s U.S. incarnation was a flop. It lasted just three seasons before it was cancelled in February, leaving Cowell without a show in the U.S.
Mel B currently judges on America’s Got Talent, which is currently in the audition phase of its new season. She is joined by Heidi Klum, Howard Stern and Howie Mandel on the NBC hit.
BREAKING NEWS: @OfficialMelB confirmed as the fourth and final judge of @TheXFactor, joining Simon, Cheryl and Louis pic.twitter.com/rQlKcMzOli
— SYCO Entertainment (@syco) June 11, 2014
image via Twitter from SyCo
image courtesy of ACE/INFphoto.com