PLAYDAR: Simon Cowell Shakes Up ‘The X Factor’ Panel … Again

Two new divas will take the place of Brit Brit and L.A. Reid when the new season starts in the fall.

Fox’s The X Factor reality show just got a whole lot more diva attitude. Simon, get ready.

Sassypants Simon Cowell and his V-neck t-shirts will have a run for their money when rhythm-and-blues goddess Kelly Rowland and Latin songstress Paulina Rubio plant their booties in the judges’ seats this fall. This, of course, comes after the season two departures of much-too-stiff L.A. Reid, and much-too-quiet Britney Spears.

Along with Demi Lovato, who has won over fans with her compassion for the contestants and the fact that she actually wants to be there, each diva will bring her own brand of musical style. Paulina Rubio has conquered the Latin American pop charts since the early ’80s and has grown into a global superstar — well, unless we’re factoring the United States into that equation. It’s true that, besides a few fierce club records, Rubio has yet to claim superstar, mainstream status in America. This could be her time to make everyone know her name. But it’s also true that she’s no stranger to reality singing competitions, as she currently holds a spot at the judges’ table for Telemundo’s La Voz Kids, which is essentially a Spanish-language, children’s version of NBC’s The Voice.

And then there’s Ms. Kelly.

As one-fourth, and then one-third, of R&B super-group Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland has the compassion and knowledge to be a great judge and mentor. She is also no stranger to Simon: Rowland worked with him on the UK version of The X Factor for a single season in 2011. I hope this will bring Kelly Rowland the credit she deserves, leaving us all saying, “Beyonce who?”

The X Factor has yet to hit the ratings glory of competing shows like The Voice and American Idol, and I’m sure Fox is certainly playing by the “third time’s a charm” superstition with the new panel. It certainly makes for an eclectic mix, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out both on the stage and at the judges’ table when the new season begins. With American Idol becoming somewhat of a sinking ship this past season, The X Factor may still have a chance to take center stage.

Take a listen below and decide for yourself if these new additions of divas will work or not.

1. “Dirty Laundry” by Kelly Rowland

2. “Boys Will Be Boys” by Paulina Rubio

3. “Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato, featuring Cher Lloyd

4. “Commander” by Kelly Rowland

5. “Don’t Say Goodbye” by Paulina Rubio

6. “Heart Attack (The Alias Club Remix)” by Demi Lovato