In a shocker, the show and Simon Cowell have decided to fire two judges and the show host. A report by TMZ this morning is confirming judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have been fired from the show. Also getting the ax was British host Steve Jones.

While Nicole and Steve’s firings are not much of a surprise, Paula’s firing is a major shocker as Simon personally recruited her to be on the show after she was let go from American Idol.

Sources reveal Paula got the bad news yesterday and has yet to hear from Simon. Simon has reportedly yet to find replacements for Paula, Nicole and Steve.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Simon, who helped create the show, recently assembled the show’s creative team for a top secret meeting in the UK. The reason for the meeting was reportedly to analyze “what went wrong and what was done right on season one.”

There are reports that Simon is wanting to move in the direction of NBC’s The Voice by adding bigger name judges as a way to boost ratings. The Voice, which returns on February 6, features judges Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

For the time being it appears judge L.A. Reid will not be let go.

[Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com]

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THE FIRINGS? SHOULD THEY HAVE KEPT PAULA? DID YOU ENJOY THE FIRST SEASON?

Fans of The X Factor are still outraged following last week’s shocking elimination which sent teen favorite Rachel Crow packing!

Judge Nicole Scherzinger felt the most criticism as her decision to allow a voting deadlock when she eliminated Rachel over Marcus Canty ultimately sent Rachel packing.

See, after Rachel and Marcus — who were in the Bottom two last Thursday — sang their last chance songs, judge L.A. Reid picked Rachel to go home. Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul then voted off Marcus. This left the last and deciding vote to Nicole. Nicole, who perhaps failed to realize her duties as a judge, then stated she didn’t want to be the deciding vote and picked Rachel to send the vote into a deadlock.

Unfortunately for 13-year-old Rachel, she ended up having the least amount of votes by the public, and was sent packing. Fans of the show were livid with Nicole for her indecisiveness, that is until TMZ posted a story stating Paula was the one who told Nicole to vote off Rachel.

In a video clip obtained by TMZ, Paula can be heared whispering to Nicole, “Just let it go to a deadlock.” Which is exactly what Nicole did.

Paula is now defending herself, stating her comments were taken out of context during her Monday night appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show alongside Nicole and the other judges. Though I’m not quite sure how “just let it go to a deadlock” could be taken out of context.

Meanwhile, Rachel’s breakdown upon hearing she was eliminated from the show (she started brawling and fell to the ground) now has people questioning whether the show needs to raise its age limit as the younger ones are simply unable to deal with the public scrutiny. Another example of this was 15-year-old Astro’s meltdown a while back upon being told he was in the bottom 2. He first refused to perform before ultimately apologizing.

[Photos Credit: WENN]

TELL US – SHOULD RACHEL HAVE WENT HOME? IS PAULA OR NICOLE TO BLAME? DOES THE AGE LIMIT NEED TO BE RAISED?

American Idol returns January 22!

The popular show released a preview of what’s to come during Game 4 of the World Series letting us know, without question, all of last year’s judges: Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez will be returning. Along with debonair host with the most, Ryan Seacrest!

Unlike the cantankerous behavior of former judging panels these judges are the best of friends on camera. “They’re like my brothers and they drive me crazy like brothers, too,” Jennifer described of Steven and Randy. “But we love each other, which is why we’ve become like a family.” Well, as family I wish somebody would talk to Jennifer about her on-set wardrobe! It was a standout last season – and not in a good way.

And since it’s another season without Simon Cowell to be the blunt voice of reason, Jennifer is assuring us this year the judges are “a little tougher on everybody.” Oooohh… good! No more constant praise – we want to see some snark!

Jennifer tells PEOPLE that being too nice wasn’t necessarily the way to go. “Because of last season and the standard that we set, it’s easy to go, ‘Is he as good as even our top 24 from last year?’ ” I guess Jenny has to earn that reported $20M she is getting paid to sit on the judges panel this season.

However, she is positive the talent pool is better than ever with many amazing voices to wow both the judges and the fans alike! “It’s not like you find people just like that, but the ones that we found, we know are very special,” she declared.

The preview clip is below!

[Photo credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com]

ARE YOU EXCITED FOR SEASON 11 OF AMERICAN IDOL? DO YOU THINK THE JUDGES SHOULD BE A LITTLE HARDER ON THE PERFORMERS OR DO YOU PREFER A GENTLER APPROACH?

While New Jersey Governor Chris Christie received some backlash weeks ago for blocking a $420,000 tax credit that was intended for MTV hit show Jersey Shore, it turns out he has the full support of the state of Jersey after all!

According to new polls, New Jersey residents not only support Gov. Christie’s decision but they also feel the show is very bad for their state!

“Garden State voters agree overwhelmingly with Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to slam the door on ‘Snooki,’ ‘The Situation’ and the rest of the ‘Jersey Shore’ crew,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute which conducted the polls.

An overwhelming nearly 70 percent of voters polled think the show is bad for the state, while 71 percent agree with Christie’s decision to veto the tax credit citing the state should not pay $420,000 for a show that “perpetuates misconceptions about the state and its citizens.” Ouch!

Fortunately for the Jersey Shore gang, they do have an usual fan in former American Idol judge/current American Idol X-Factor judge Simon Cowell! But seriously American Idol and X-Factor are the same show no?

“I thought [Jersey Shore] was genius, absolute genius,” said Simon to MTV this week. “And whether you like the show or not, these kids are suddenly big, big stars. They just make me laugh.” No word yet on whether Simon is laughing at the cast or with them!

Simon goes on to add that Snooki has in fact inspired him on X-Factor. “Yeah, so that was the reason why I came to New Jersey: I wanted to find the next Snooki,” he says. Oh that Simon, always tongue-in-cheek! He is joking right?

And finally, move over Jill Zarin Kelly Bensimon! There is a new “celebrity” cyber-bullying victim!

While bullying and cyber-bullying has become a hot topic and a serious issue in recent times, Vinny Guadagnino is now revealing his sad tale of cyber-bullying at the hands of some of his 2 million twitter followers! And yes he has 2 mil followers on twitter. Apparently Vinny, who chose to put his life on national television, feels negative tweets constitute as “cyber-bullying.”

“I get cyber-bullied every single second of the day!” Vinny tells Life & Style. “Right now, if I go through my Twitter I guarantee that within two seconds I’ll find someone making fun of my friends and family and calling me the devil.”

Vinny goes on to add that being “cyber-bullied” is what encouraged him to join forces with MTV to help bring awareness to National Bullying Prevention month. “I want to get involved because I can relate,” he states. “This is about young people on social media and the different problems they have. I’ve been there, and I’m still there.”

Allrighty. A new episode of the Jersey Shore airs tonight on MTV at 10/9c.

TELL US – JERSEY SHORE RESIDENTS: ARE YOU ASHAMED OF THE JERSEY SHORE? DO YOU THINK SIMON WAS JOKING WITH HIS COMMENTS? IS VINNY A REAL VICTIM OF CYBER-BULLYING?

NeNe revealed to host Kit Hoover, that she is “almost single.” Despite being seen recently as a couple, NeNe maintains that her divorce from Gregg Leakes should be finalized “really soon, in the next couple weeks,” and she is excited to be “out there dating” again!

NeNe also discloses that she is definitely open to getting remarried! “I absolutely love being married, and I think love is a beautiful thing…” she tells Kit, gushing, “I love love. The sooner it comes the better!” And who is she hoping to find love with? Perhaps Anderson Cooper! Well, sure that might happen. Or maybe Simon Cowell! NeNe loves the menz with the monies! I’m surprised Andy Cohen didn’t make the list.

NeNe also talks Kim’s new spin-off and she must have practiced really, really hard to look neutral when the subject came up, because surprisingly she didn’t start yelling about Kim being trash and instead sort of, kind of, congratulated her. “I think that every woman needs to be independent. You need to have a job. If that’s what’s happening in her life, great.”

And reacting to the Real Housewives of New York City casting shake-up, Nene was honest in admitting it makes her a little nervous. “For them to take out some of the main characters that we’ve always been watching, it’s a little scary for me.” Perhaps she’s thinking she might be next!

Likely not, as NeNe reveals that season four of RHOA is “drama, drama, drama!” But she’s not giving away which housewife is getting the most camera time this season – besides herself, of course! My bets are on new housewife, Marlo Hampton for bringing the crazy!

Thoughts on NeNe’s interview? Are you buying the “divorce” from Gregg? Do you believe she is really happy for Kim? Will you be watching RHOA? I personally, CANNOT WAIT!

It’s official! Following months of speculation, Simon Cowell confirmed over the weekend that Paula Abdul will indeed be a judge on his new show The X-Factor.

“This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this, [but] I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” Simon, 51, said in a statement Sunday afternoon about reuniting with Paula, 48, after judging with her on American Idol.

Paula also expressed her excitement at having a job again doing the show. “I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor,” said Paula. “I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show.”

And despite the rumors that Nicole Scherzinger would be a judge on the show, it was announced yesterday that she will co-host the new series with British TV personality Steve Jones.

X-Factor began its first round of auditions in Los Angeles yesterday and is scheduled to debut in September. Joining Paula and Simon on the judging panel are British singer Cheryl Cole and former Def Jam president L.A. Reid. Simon announced months ago that the winner of the competition will receive an astonishing $5 million recording deal!

Photos below from yesterday’s LA auditions!

TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE PAULA RETURN TO TV? THOUGHTS ON THE X-FACTOR SHOW & JUDGING PANEL?

Following two major commercials on Sunday’s Superbowl, Simon Cowell is now revealing more details about the upcoming reality show – The X Factor (the American version).

While the full list of judges has yet to be selected, Simon does confirm he will be a judge on the show. “Once the show goes into production, I become a judge,” Simon told reporters Monday. “Then I have to put my trust into the producers’ hands, which is effectively how it works in the U.K. Yes, I am judging.”

Simon will also serve as an executive producer on the show, while helping in the selection of the judging panel. Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Simpson, Paula Abdul, Rihanna, Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry and Will Smith are just some of the names that have been rumored as possible judges on the show.

So should we expect a nicer Simon on this new show? “I am gong to try and be consistent, as I have been over the years … People know what to expect if I’m on the judging panel. I don’t think things will change too much,” he said. We’ll take that as a no.

As for Simon’s thoughts or critique rather on the current and 10th season of American Idol, Simon reveals he is not an avid watcher. “I haven’t seen a full episode. I’ve seen three minutes of a recap. From what I’ve seen and from what I’ve heard, it all seems to be going well.”

According to Simon, he is hoping to make the announcement of the judges in three to four weeks. The winner of X Factor will also be awarded a $5 million record deal, in what is being called the largest guaranteed prize in TV history.

TELL US – ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO X-FACTOR? HAVING SIMON BACK ON TV?

Following Simon Cowell’s exit from American Idol, many predicted it would lead to the show’s demise that is until new judge Steven Tyler stepped into the picture, winning rave reviews from fans, and even being credited by some as saving the show.

And now according to a new report by Popeater, fellow judge Jennifer Lopez is not happy Steven’s getting all the attention. “This was meant to be Jennifer’s big comeback,” an insider reveals. “The entire re-branding of the show was built around her, but now it’s all about Steven 24/7.”

The insider adds that Jlo, who is used being lavished with a lots of attention, is getting irritated with people always asking her about Steven.

“She’s mystified at how this happened and has made it very clear to the producers that the cameras need to spend a little more time adoring Jennifer’s favorite idol — herself!”

A new episode of AI airs tonight on FOX at 8/7c.

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THIS STORY? WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE IDOL JUDGE?

A number of critics have panned the new season of American Idol, but did the audience also tune out?

Well, it seems at least some of them did. According to an AP report, the ratings for AI are down this season from the previous year. While the premiere episode was one of the most watched television shows of the year, averaging a total of 26.2 million viewers, it was still down 13% from the nearly 30 million who watched last season’s opener.

The decline continued onto the second episode of the season, averaging 22.6 million viewers.

Season 10 officially made it’s debut Wednesday, January 19 with a two-hour opener which was mostly dedicated to showcasing the new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, who joined the sole returning judge Randy Jackson.

And following two weeks of auditions, some are wondering if these new set of judges are simply not Simon Cowell too soft as a high number of contestants were reportedly let through to go to Hollywood.

“I’m beginning to see why the Hollywood Week group was so large this year (a reported 325),” Brian Mansfield of USA Today wrote. “This group of judges are a much softer touch than previous crews. They’re much more likely to put somebody through on the strength of their personalities. Simon would have shut 75 percent of those people down.”

Critic Emily Yahr of the Washington Post stated the “same dramatic music, same talk about making people’s dreams come true, same sob stories with predictable tickets to Hollywood. It’s comforting, or it’s a snoozefest — take your pick.” Interesting.

TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW SEASON OF AI? ARE THE JUDGES TOO SOFT? DO YOU MISS SIMON?

The ninth season of American Idol came to a dramatic end last night as Lee DeWyze was crowned the Idol winner, beating out favorite Crystal Bowersox.

Lee, a shy 24-year-old painter from Chicago, appeared shell shocked after being announced the next winner of AI by host Ryan Seacrest.  “This is amazing!” said Lee. “Thank you guys so much for everything… I can’t believe this… I’m so happy right now. I’ve never been happier in my life!”

Lee continued, “Throughout the season, the word ‘confidence’ has come up with me a lot. I think looking confident and being confident are two different things for me,” he said. “If I wasn’t confident, I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

However the night wasn’t all about Lee, as it was also judge Simon Cowell’s last night on the hit show. Simon, who is leaving AI after eight years to become a producer and judge on the American version of The X Factor, set to debut in 2011, got a bit teary eyed during his farewell.

“I didn’t think I was going to be this emotional, but I genuinely am,” said Simon as he joined past AI contestants onstage. “The show will go forward, it’ll be different, but I just want to thank you for the support, the fun and… everyone, your sense of humor, thats what’s been the best part.”

Along with past Idol contestants, former judge Paula Abdul also returned to bid farewell to Simon.  The finale show also included a hot performances by Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Alice Cooper, and Alanis Morisette, as well as a surprise performance by rocker Bret Michaels.

TELL US:  DID THE RIGHT CONTESTANT WIN AI? WHO DO YOU THINK WILL HAVE A BETTER SINGING CAREER?