Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Steve Jones 'FIRED

Judge Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones have been unceremoniously dumped from the X Factor USA after just one season.

Simon Cowell's former darling Paula Abdul today confirmed she had also been fired from the panel in a desperate shake-up by the mogul and the show's producers. 'Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to The X Factor next season,' Abdul said in a statement today.

'I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations. She continued: 'Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season.

I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.'

The decision to dismiss Abdul has surprised many, given how hard Cowell worked to secure her on the panel. It took several months for her contract to negotiated and she only closed her deal hours before the first televised audition. 'You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right,' he said at the time. 'I’ve never found anyone better than her.'

Both Abdul and Scherzinger were embroiled in the controversy surrounding the shock elimination of 13-year-old frontrunner Rachel Crow.Cowell hinted at a major changes on the show last month when he was quoted as saying: 'We change these shows all the time.' And he said in a statement today: 'I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of The X Factor last year.

I'm sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next , but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year.'Although the X Factor performed solidly in the ratings, hovering around the 12 million mark, it did not attract the same kind of huge viewing figures regularly attained by Cowell's former show American Idol.

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Nicole Scherzinger Was held at gunpoint in Mexico

Singer Nicole Scherzinger faced a terrifying ordeal after being held up at gunpoint in Mexico. 

The X Factor USA judge was travelling with X Factor choreographer Brian Friedman to a video shoot when their car was pulled over by gun-toting bandits. 

The 33-year-old star was unharmed but left shaken by the ordeal earlier this year as she travelled in a bullet proof SUV vehicle. He said they were not harmed, but added: 'Nicole cursed me with this trip.

'It was the craziest adventure ever!' Scherzinger was on her way to a video shoot for her latest single Try with Me. 

The incident took place back in October as the singer and her video film crew travelled through the mountains to the Xilitla rainforest. It is thought the gunmen were a local gang.

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Nicole Scherzinger wears show-stopping dress for dinner with rapper Drake... just five days after split from Lewis

She announced her split from long term love a mere five days ago, but Nicole Scherzinger appears to bounce back quickly from heartbreak.

The X-Factor USA judge reportedly went out with 25-year-old R&B singer Drake last night at Cecconi's in West Hollywood.

Both stars were caught leaving swanky Italian eatery separately, he left first and she followed in his footsteps.

While she might have enjoyed dinner with Drake last night she has also been linked to X-Factor USA host Steve Jones.

A source told the Daily Mirror: 'Nicole is crushed and has shed so many tears. Steve’s been a shoulder to cry on and a real gent.

They have become close and have met up outside the studio. He listens to her and
makes her laugh. There is unmistakable chemistry there.'

Regardless of whether she is dating one man, both, or neither, one thing is for certain, Nicole is single and ready to mingle.
Her four-year romance with 26-year-old F1 driver Lewis has been put on a permanent hold.

The couple met at the European Music Awards in Munich in November 2007, before going public at the Monaco Grand Prix six months later.
People magazine broke the news of their split just five days ago.

'They'd been long distance for a long time and it's just been hard,' a source told the magazine, adding, 'They both tried to make it work, but their careers kept them apart. So for now it's over. They think this is what's best. They're definitely going to stay friends.'

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Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger split after four-year relationship

Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger have split up. The 26-year-old F1 racing driver - who is seven years younger than his girlfriend - decided to call time on their relationship because their conflicting work schedules meant they were seeing less and less of each other. 

The sportsman and Miss Scherzinger - who rose to fame as part of The Pussycat Dolls pop group - had been dating for four years. 'Amicable': Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger have ended their relationship after four years together A friend said: 'Yes, they've split. 

It's a real shame because Nicole really tried to make it work. 'They are still very good friends and it was an amicable split, but they just decided it was impossible to keep the relationship going with such conflicting work schedules.' 

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Happier times: The pair were said to have got engaged earlier this year Yesterday, he was at an event for his driving team McLaren. A source told how he was in 'good spirits' at the event. 

The couple met at the European Music Awards in Munich in November 2007, before going public at the Monaco Grand Prix six months later.

Miss Scherzinger, 33, was by his side as he was crowned world champion in Brazil in November 2008. But they spent increasing amounts of time apart due to their busy careers.

In July there was unconfirmed speculation the couple had become engaged. The couple split in January 2010 when they had been together for 20 months. Following the break up, Hamilton told the Daily Mail: 

'I just want to move forward in a positive manner. The focus is on this season and doing the best I possibly can and getting the results on the track. I’m just keeping my mind on that. 

'It never was a distraction but I am not going to take my mind off what I’ve got to do by thinking about it.' Speaking of their relationship recently, Hamilton said: 'We go to the gym together quite often and she goes running with me.

 She does her own programme and I do mine and it’s pretty cool.' A spokesman for Hamilton declined to comment. A spokesman for Miss Scherzinger was unavailable for comment.

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