Cheryl Cole has signed a £3m deal with the American X Factor series, which is to launch in autumn 2011.
The 27-year-old singer was offered the job as a judge on the US show last Saturday after Fox bosses had flown into view her performance on the UK version of the show, an insider has told the Daily Mail.
And although, Cheryl’s act Katie Waissel was voted off on the night, Cheryl obviously did enough to impress the TV bosses with her expertise as a mentor.
Only a few days ago, X Factor tycoon Simon Cowell did reveal that he soon would disclose some news relating to the show.
Cheryl Cole in Will.i.am’s new video
“I’m going to make an announcement within three or four weeks, which is going to tell everyone everything. There will be some surprises.”
“OK, one of the judges has quite long hair,” he continued.
But although Simon’s precious ‘secret’ now is likely to be out in public, no official announcement has yet been made.
Cheryl is said to be earning £1.5m for her role as a judge on current X Factor season, but would earn the double on the American version as the budget is much larger for the planned US series.
Another judge tipped for the American show is Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger.
The singer starred on the UK version earlier this year when Dannii Minogue was on maternity leave, and she was an instant hit with both Simon and the viewers.
It’s not yet clear if X Factor will go ahead in the UK next year, or if the current season is the last.