[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.”

[GypsyGoth]

I didn't expect that, I thought they would have picked a more celeb/singer type.

[Smithy]

Same :/

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

I didn't expect that, I thought they would have picked a more celeb/singer type.

same here.

[Shaun]

well at least it's someone who'll know what he's talking about.
(even if he's responsible for Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber and recent Bon Jovi)

[cub]

No real surprise. I expected one of the judge's to be a record exec/producer/manager. It's the Louis Walsh/Randy Jackson role.

[Callum]

Meh, never heard of him until yesterday. May be good so can't judge yet, I knew the other male judge would be unknown though. Simon basically confirmed it in an interview for E!, here's hoping the females are more widely known people. I'm 80% sure Cheryl will be one of them now though.

[Z]

Yeah he's just the equivalent role of Louis Walsh, I expect a washed up female popstar and a current female popstar!

[Braden]

I think he'll be a good judge. Looking forward to seeing him in action.

Are there only 3 Judges?

[Vicky.]

Better to have someone who actually knows the industry than some pop star who is famous for miming badly

[Stacey.]

I've never even heard of him before.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Shaun

well at least it's someone who'll know what he's talking about.
(even if he's responsible for Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber and recent Bon Jovi)

This ^ you need atleast one if not two decent judges not just the novelty celeb judges.

[cub]

Anyone who has never heard of him really, really needs to read up!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.A._Reid

[Smithy]

He seems like a competent version of Louis

[Tom4784]

He sounds like the Louis of the panel but with more credentials.

[Zippy]

Lets hope he has a personality. Thats what really counts at the end of the day. He can't just be a dull old suit.


ps; this was posted in another thread already