full size The X Factor's Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Cheryl Cole attend the 2011 Fox Upfronts in NYC on May 16, 2011
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The X Factor USA is making some major changes as it heads into its third season! Not only has Khloe "Scream and Shout"  Kardashian reportedly been fired as a host (never forget Nipple Gate 2012), both Britney Spears and L.A. Reid have stepped away from the judges table — and their bottles of Pepsi Dragon. So, who will replace Brit and L.A. as mentors?

full size Cheryl Cole at The FOX Upfronts on May 6, 2011
Credit: Splash News

No final talent decisions have been made by The X Factor's producers, but according to the New York Post, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole is in talks to return as a judge next season! We love Cheryl as much as the next fan-girl, but does anyone else find it slightlystrange that she's a contender? Let's not forget that this British bombshell was fired from The X Factor after just a few weeks of filming season one, and she subsequently filed a $2.3 million dollar lawsuit against Fox executives because they reportedly owed her money!

It's possible that the producers are inviting Cheryl back for season two as part of a settlement agreement, but there's no doubt that this lady's ego must be more than a little bruised. Do you think Cheryl should judge The X Factor when it returns from hiatus, or is she not well-known enough in this country to bring in the kinds of viewers the show needs to survive? Hit the comments and dish it!

Source: The New York Post via Digital Spy