It's Official! L.A. Reid to Join Simon Cowell's 'X Factor' as Judge

After weeks of speculation and discussion in the media, Simon Cowell has finally confirmed the first judge on the upcoming U.S. version of 'The X Factor': famed record producer, Antonio 'L.A.' Reid.

There's been much debate on who else Cowell will tap to judge the upcoming FOX talent competition, with names like Jessica Simpson and Cowell's old 'Idol' pal, Paula Abdul, bandied about.

And while there's surely going to be at least one outrageous/colorful character on the panel, it appears Cowell was serious when he told the press "I wanted to make a show where I, along with my fellow judges, help competitors on a regular basis."

There's certainly no one more qualified to aid contestants in their journey towards musical greatness than the man who launched the careers of Jay-Z, Justin Bieber and Bon Jovi, to name a few.

In an official press release from the network, Reid stated:

"I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon Cowell, one of the world's most gifted and charismatic talent magnets. 'The X Factor' provides an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring artists of every age and genre to showcase their unique talents. I truly look forward to discovering our next generation of superstars."

And though Cowell will probably save the announcement of his most controversial choice for last, L.A. Reid was a no-brainer for the reality TV mogul.

"L.A. was my number one choice to sit alongside me on the show. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest ever music executives and of course a fantastic writer and producer. I am thrilled he has agreed to join the show, and for any artist auditioning, they know they have the chance to meet a true star-maker."

Auditions for 'The X Factor' begin on March 27th in Los Angeles and will make stops in Miami, Newark, Seattle, Chicago and Dallas. Contestants need only be twelve and preferably talented, to vie for a shot at a five-million dollar recording contract.

'The X Factor' premieres this fall on FOX.

Get more at TVSquad >>>

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=691977&pid=691976&uts=1273167996

http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/music/?s_channel=us.musicpop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1

http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf

PopScene: Week's Hottest Pics

Gabourey Sidibe attends The American Cancer Society's Choose You luncheon on May 5th in New York City.

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

Sarah Wynter Simone Mütherthies Tara Reed Jennifer Morrison Chloë Sevigny