Ruthless Simon Cowell brought his big fat axe to the corporate meeting surrounding the future of season two’s X Factor USA this week. The blade was sharp and very able, meaning heads were sliced right off judges Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and the shows host Steve Jones. Scherzinger and Abdul reportedly got the chop because they delivered lukewarm delivery to the panel. Other reports suggest Scherzinger knew Fox executives were not pleased with her performance and she handed in her resignation anyway to spare the ‘humilaition’ of a public sacking.

Scherzinger is citing her invisible music career needing to take the front seat as reason why she cannot continue with the show. It was confirmed that she was in the recording studio with Bangladesh over the weekend putting the finishing touches to her ill-fated ‘Killer Love’ US release. Jones, who confirmed his departure last night, was clearly sacked and it has been evident from previous comments that it was not his decision to leave. No surprises that he got the axe. Jones sure was a nice piece of eye candy for us ladies, but his personality was dryer than burnt toast without its butter. As a result, viewers failed to warm up to him. LA Reid‘s continuing position as a judge is concrete which serves as no surprise given that his label Epic Records plays a pivotal part in the show.

Scherzinger is done goods sadly. I never in a million years thought I’d say this but… bring back Cheryl Cole! The saga continues.