Cole misses out on 'X Factor' place

The 'X Factor' judging line-up was confirmed today with pop mogul Louis Walsh being joined by Take That’s Gary Barlow, international star Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos of urban hip-hop band N-Dubz.

There was no place for Cheryl Cole, who was axed from the American version of the show.

Former judge Simon Cowell said: “These four are totally up for it, each of them bring a different attitude.

“They have had a ton of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star.

“I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like.”

Walsh is the only remaining judge from last year's show.

Cowell left to launch the American version and took Cole, the Geordie ex Girls Aloud singer with him, though she was dumped recently. Dannii Minogue, 39, also left the line-up.

Barlow, Tulisa and Rowlands, of Destiny’s Child fame, are able replacements, said ITV’s director of television Peter Fincham.

He added: “The X Factor is more than just television show: it’s by far the nation’s biggest platform for emerging talent and I’m delighted to be confirming a line-up of judges who have experience right across the music business to pick the stars of the future.

“As multi-million selling artists, songwriters and pop masterminds, Gary, Tulisa, Kelly and Louis have huge breadth of appeal with our audience and the ability to engage both the UK’s next generation of music talent as well as ITV’s viewers.”

Barlow said: ``I'm extremely excited about working on 'The X Factor'. I've always been a fan of the show and always enjoyed performing on it too.

“My one goal is to find a global superstar. If I don’t find one, I won’t have done my job.”

N-Dubz star Tulisa, 22, said she looked forward to bringing “something fresh” to the panel.

She added: “I’m not going to be afraid to speak my mind and mix things up a little.

“I am hoping to find some hot new talent and mentor a winning category. It is also going to be great to get to know and work alongside the other judges. Let the fireworks begin.”

Rowland added that she was thrilled to be heading to one of her “favourite places in the world”.

She said: “The music coming out of the UK right now is incredible, with artists like Adele, Jessie J and James Blake, so I’m confident this season of 'The X Factor' will give me opportunity to hear a few diamonds in the rough.

“Being a judge is never easy but I promise to be as sternly honest as I can and also encourage everyone who crosses the stage. I can’t wait to meet the world’s next superstar.”

Walsh, a veteran of the talent show scene, said: “I’m delighted to be back for my eighth series of The X Factor, it’s my favourite job in the world and I’m really excited this year to work with Gary Barlow and the rest of the new panel.

“I’m the last original judge standing and I’m determined to find an act that can win this year and show the others how it’s done.”

The new panel begins its quest to uncover the best in singing talent with the first audition in Birmingham on Wednesday, continuing to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.