[Smithy]

The identity of one of the judging panel joining Simon Cowell on the new US X Factor has finally been revealed today. Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, legendary producer and chairman of Island Def Jam Records, has resigned from his post at the label to take up the role on Fox’s show.

The 54-year-old music mogul is responsible for multi-platinum selling artists including Usher, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Kanye West and Jay Z.

The news was confirmed by Island Def Jam in a statement sent to the BBC. The statement read: “Antonio ‘LA’ Reid has chosen to step down from his position as Chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam in order to participate in the upcoming US premiere of the X Factor.

“We certainly wish him all the best with his new career choice and thank him for his contributions over the last several years.”

MTV News has obtained a memo from Reid himself confirming the statement, which reads: “After much consideration, I have decided to leave my position as Chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group. I have always thrived on growth and the next great challenge, and I look forward with much enthusiasm to what the future holds.

The note continues: “I am extremely proud of our beautiful roster and all we have accomplished in my seven years with IDJ. We continue to have incredible success together with today’s most phenomenal superstars — Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The Killers, The-Dream, Chrisette Michele, Jeezy and Ludacris to name a few. I want to thank all of you for your amazing contributions.”