Abdul, Scherzinge and Jones leaving ‘X Factor’
FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2011 file photo, host Steve Jones poses with judge Nicole Scherzinger at a world premiere screening event for the new television series, "The X Factor," in Los Angeles. Both Jones and Scherzinger will not be returning to the popular singing competition series for a second season. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)
FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2011 file photo, singer Paula Abdul poses on the red carpet at The X Factor Finale show in Los Angeles. Abdul said she's leaving "The X Factor" after one season as judge. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, file)
LOS ANGELES >> Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones are out at "The X Factor."
Abdul announced her exit Tuesday, on the heels of the departures o Scherzinger and host Steve Jones.
That leaves Cowell and Antonio "L.A." Reid on the judging panel. There was no immediate word from producers on who might fill the open seats.
Abdul said in a statement that she’s learned that "business decisions often times override personal considerations" and that she and Cowell remain friends.
Despite respectable ratings, "X Factor" has failed to achieve popularity similar to "American Idol," which Cowell left to import "X Factor" from the U.K. to the U.S.
Jones, a British TV personality, called his departure "a shame" on Twitter and added that he couldn’t complain, "as I’ve had a great time." He gave no reason why he wasn’t returning to the singing contest.
Jones was originally slated to host "X Factor" alongside Scherzinger, who replaced British pop star Cheryl Cole as a judge when executive producer Simon Cowell and other producers had second thoughts about Cole joining the series.
A spokeswoman for Scherzinger did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
The second season of "X Factor" is set to debut later this year.
