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`The X Factor` (FOX logo © 2012 FOX BROADCASTING)
"The X Factor" (FOX logo © 2012 FOX BROADCASTING)

Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio join Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell on 'The X Factor' judges' panel

by jmaloni

Press release

Tue, May 21st 2013 10:20 am

Online auditions continue through June 15; competition open to singers and vocal groups ages 12 and over for chance to win a Syco/Sony Music recording contract

Simon Cowell will be surrounded by women when "The X Factor" returns for its third season this fall on FOX. Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland and international pop star Paulina Rubio join him and Demi Lovato as judges on the hit singing competition series.

"It's taken more than a decade, but I'm delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!)," Cowell said Monday. "Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and, together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different."

"I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and 'The X Factor' family," Rowland said. "It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states!"

"I love 'The X Factor!' I can't wait to find the next big music star here in America," Rubio added. "I'm so thrilled to be part of the show as a judge. Simon, be careful what you wish for, let's see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo!"

A pop star since the age of 16, Rowland grew up in the spotlight as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling groups of all time. Her powerful voice was a key ingredient in the group's awe-inspiring list of chart-toppers and dance floor smashes, including four No. 1 singles in the U.S. and more than 60 million albums sold worldwide. The group received 14 Grammy nominations, and won three times, including Best R&B Song in 2001 for "Say My Name." As a solo artist, Rowland has released three successful studio albums - "Simply Deep," "Ms. Kelly" and "Here I Am" - selling more than five million records. Rowland's first forays as a soloist contributed to the 2002 Grammy Award-winning song, "Dilemma (with Nelly)," and have been further evidenced by her gold and platinum solo albums. Her upcoming album, "Talk a Good Game," will be released June 18. Rowland served as a judge on the eighth season of the U.K. version of "The X Factor."

Rubio, considered to be one of the most influential contemporary Latin artists, has sold more than 20 million records around the world and has released 10 studio albums. Raised in Mexico, she began her professional music career in 1984 as a member of the popular teen pop group Timbiriche. Since going solo in 1992, Rubio has created major hits both in English and Spanish and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards in the category of Best Latin Pop Album. Her prominence as an international artist extends to the digital world, as well. Official YouTube/VEVO views of Rubio's videos exceed 87 million. She has more than 1.2 million Facebook "likes" and more than 6.6 million Twitter followers.

"We are thrilled that Kelly and Paulina are joining Demi on the panel this season, in what is sure to be a triple threat of talented and successful women against Simon week-to-week," noted Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. "This is an incredible panel of judges and we can't wait for fans to see what's in store for season three of 'The X Factor.' "

Last season, Tate Stevens was crowned "The X Factor" winner and was awarded a recording contract, as well as production and creative support to develop, create, record and shoot his first original track and music video. Tate's video debuted as a Pepsi commercial during the live telecast of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards and, soon after, he released his first single, "Power of a Love Song." He released his self-titled debut album last month.

Along with Stevens, "The X Factor" has discovered diverse recording artists including Fifth Harmony, Emblem3 and Carly Rose Sonenclar, all of whom also are working on their debut albums. Emblem3 are set to join Selina Gomez on her summer concert tour series this year and have just released their debut single, "Chloe (You're The One I Want)."

"The X Factor" format has created global superstars including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd and Olly Murs. Artists discovered by the competition series have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 No. 1s, 270 Top 10 records and 500 Top 50 releases. "The X Factor" is now aired in 191 countries, and local versions of "The X Factor" are now commissioned in 41 territories.

Fans can "Like" "The X Factor" on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA, and follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and #xfactor.

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