Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • News

Kelly Rowland Rumored To Judge 'The X-Factor' USA

Will the singer take another shot at judging America's favorite TV competition?
Kelly Rowland Rumored To Judge 'The X-Factor'
Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Ketel One
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

In 2011, Kelly Rowland joined the UK version of The X Factor as a judge alongside British singers/songwriters Gary Barlow and Tulisa, but that was unfortunately brought to a halt when the singer pulled out due to a severe throat infection and was unable to continue taping the show.

Now, rumors have been swirling that the former Destiny’s Child songstress is set to make a comeback on the third season of the X Factor USA—replacing Britney Spears on the judging panel, joining Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and an as-of-yet unnamed judge.

“Kelly knows the X Factor, she’s aware of what it takes to be a judge and she’s also outspoken,” a source told the Daily Mail, “Simon has always remained a fan of Kelly’s and she’s most definitely in the mix to join the judging panel on X Factor USA.”

A new panel of judges is slated to be announced next month.

Would you like to see Kelly Rowland join the panel as the X Factor‘s newest judge?