Nicole Scherzinger won’t be reprising her role as judge and mentor  on “The X Factor”. Sources say Nicole “wants to focus on her music career,” adding that her duties on “The X Factor” “took a lot more of her time than she ever expected.” Nicole has reportedly informed fellow mentor Simon Cowell of her decision and has received “his blessing.” Word is that Nicole and Simon did not get a long with each other at all and that it was a lot of behind the scenes drama which is why she left.

It was also revealed on Monday that “X Factor” host Steve Jones will be replaced also. Jones sent out a tweet saying it’s a shame he’s leaving, but adding that he had a great time on the show. Wait there’s more…

Jones and singer Scherzinger aren’t the only departing, Us Weekly is reporting that Paula Abdul was also fired.

“None of the three left on their own accord,” adding that the show’s producers were “cleaning house.”

Simon Cowell and fellow music producer L.A. Reid will be the only original cast members to continue in season two.

“Simon wants to take the show in a different direction,” the insider says. Cowell hinted at a major shakeup on the show last month when he was quoted as saying “We change these shows all the time.” Especially after The X Factor failed to live up to Cowell’s expectations. He predicted an average audience of 20 million viewers  for the series’ first season. But in actuality, it drew 12.4 million. This is not the first cast change on The X Factor. Original judge Cheryl Cole was let go after one taping, replaced by Scherzinger.

WOW do you think they are really fired or are they just trying to get press?