Rita Ora To Become New X Factor Judge, Nicole Scherzinger Fired

Rita Ora is about to steal Nicole Scherzinger’s job.

Reports out of the UK say that X Factor producer Simon Cowell has been meeting with Rita to become part of a new “female dream team” of judges, one that would leave Scherzinger out in the cold.

Simon has reportedly been courting Rita Ora for quite some time, meeting with her both in the United States and the UK to convince her to come on as a judge. Cowell is eyeing both her and Cheryl Cole in what is seen as a bid to add more sex appeal to the popular show.

“Rita is at the top of his list with Cheryl,” a source close to the show said. “He has been a massive fan of hers for a while. He has offered it to her before but she didn’t think the time was right. Now the ball is very much in her court.”

Cheryl Cole actually has an interesting history the show. She was already a judge on the show for a brief period, but was fired and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger. Cole then sued the show’s production company, Blue Orbit, claiming she was owed $2 million, plus an additional $300,000 to cover wardrobe, styling, and living expenses.

While Rita Ora would be new to the judging chair, she did have a popular guest stint on the show last year. Simon Cowell was reportedly so impressed with Rita that he tried to get her on board right then.

Ora turned him down, however.

“There were talks. But if I were to take on that role it would have to be at a point when I could give it my full attention,” Ora said. “I have so much to accomplish first and it’s kind of a full-time job being on X Factor. It’s not like a nine to five. It’s constant, for months.I love it but if I was to take on a full-time role it would be at a point when I’m loads of albums in.”