By Sarah Fitzmaurice


Alreet America! Cheryl Cole arrives at Heathrow Airport to board a flight to Los Angeles ahead of her new role on X Factor USA


Just a day after her appointment as a judge on X Factor USA was confirmed, Cheryl Cole has jetted out of London.

Accompanied by her assistants at Heathrow Airport, the singer looked like she couldn't wait to board the 11-hour flight to Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old wore yellow harem pants, towering buckled ankle boots and blue striped T-shirt. She kept her eyes under cover with a pair of aviator shades.


Following months of speculation, Cole was confirmed yesterday as a judge on the new U.S. version of the hit British show alongside Simon Cowell and Antonio 'LA' Reid.

Cole has already voiced her excitement about the new role searching for the talent America has to offer and said she is ready to battle it out against Cowell on the first series.

Cole said: 'I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor. I absolutely love it here in the UK, and with the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special.'

She added: 'I can’t wait to get started. I just can’t decide whether I am more excited to find and nurture the talent or for the unbelievable amount of amusement and entertainment I will have watching Simon doing everything and anything he can to beat me.

'He’s tried to beat me for three years in the UK, and hasn’t even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this.'

I'm in! Cheryy, seen in new promotional stills for the show, is excited to be heading Stateside for the X Factor USA where she will sit next to Simon Cowell and LA Reid on the judging panel


Cowell, who has championed the Geordie singer in the U.S., said: 'I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show, and has been fantastic to work with.'

He added: 'She is also a complete brat! Most importantly, this girl can spot talent.'
Yesterday's announcement ends months of speculation over whether Cole's Newcastle accent would prove problematic for viewers across the pond.

Fox bosses have sung the Parachute singer's praises. Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, said: 'She’s an incredibly talented artist and performer, as well as a style icon, and she has that special charisma that draws in fans around the world.

'Cheryl’s charm and chemistry with Simon have been a key part of the overwhelming success of ‘The X Factor’ in the UK, and we can’t wait to welcome her to the U.S. on our air.'

Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said: 'As a young artist whose talent show discovery led to almost immediate stardom, Cheryl’s career exemplifies the promise of The X Factor.

Ready for battle: Cheryl can't wait to get the first series of the American version of the X Factor show underway and is looking to beat Simon Cowell as she has in the U.K. show


'Her empathy and passion for identifying and nurturing undiscovered talent has made her a huge hit with British audiences, and I have no doubt America will fall in love with her beauty, her accent and her incredible chemistry with Simon Cowell.'

However, some people have suggested Cheryl's strong Geordie accent will cause problems with U.S. viewers.

After hearing the news today, Piers Morgan offered his help, tweeting: 'Congrats to my friend Cheryl Cole on landing US X Factor judging gig. Am available for elocution lessons whenever you like.'

Cole has proved a skilled judge, winning the UK version of the show twice, first in 2008 with Alexandra Burke and in 2009 with Joe McElderry.

While many were worried about her lack of profile in the U.S. it has also been reported that her song Parachute will be featured on the hit musical show Glee - which has covered hit songs by Rihanna, Madonna and Britney Spears.

Great chemistry: Fox bosses have praised Cheryl's talent as a judge and have said America will love the way she interacts with Simon Cowell


The confirmation about her X Factor role comes only days before auditions are held this Sunday, May 8, in specially-built high-definition recording studios in Honolulu, Phoenix, Nashville, Anchorage, Kansas City and Denver.

Auditions will continue in Dallas on May 26.

The U.S. version of The X Factor is set to be the biggest and best yet with the winner scooping a recording contract worth $5 million.




source:dailymail