Judges and Presenters
The judges for series 5 were Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole. On 6 June 2008 (six days before filming was due to begin at the London auditions) ITV announced that long-standing judge Sharon Osbourne had left the show. Media speculation over the reasons for Osbourne's departure alluded to rising tensions between her and fellow judge Dannii Minogue, as well as disputes over pay. When interviewed by Chris Moyles on BBC Radio 1, Osbourne said that it was "the best four years of life" but felt that it was "time to move on." She later revealed that fellow judge Dannii was "99.9%" of her reason for leaving, citing that the atmosphere was causing too much stress. Osbourne admitted that when she informed the producers of her decision to resign, she hoped to be kept on instead of Dannii.
Much media coverage and speculation surrounded the question of who would replace Osbourne. Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown revealed on 16 September 2008 in an interview for New! Magazine that she, among others, was approached by Cowell as a possible replacement. However, on 10 June 2008, four days after Osbourne's departure, ITV confirmed that Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole was the new judge for series 5 and the replacement for Sharon Osbourne. Minogue praised the new judge, saying: "She’s very knowledgeable about music and I think she’s going to bring a new side to the show." Cowell is reported by Minogue to feel that Cole's voiced opinions are something "which he loves".
Dermot O'Leary returned to present the main ITV show, choosing to leave other projects, including his ongoing role as the host of Big Brother's Little Brother, in order to concentrate on The X Factor. The Xtra Factor presenter Fearne Cotton left after series 4, having presented for only one series, to be replaced by Holly Willoughby. Brian Friedman returned as choreographer and performance coach (billed as "Creative Director"), along with Yvie Burnett as vocal coach.
Read more about this topic: The X Factor (UK Series 5)
Famous quotes containing the word judges:
“The world, the wise world, that never is wrong itself, judges always by events. And if he should use me ill, then I shall be blamed for trusting him: if well, O then I did right, to be sure!—But how would my censurers act in my case, before the event justifies or condemns the action, is the question.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)