Simon: Why I fired Cheryl

X Factor mogul reveals why Cole was axed...

09:17 21 September 2011

Simon Cowell has revealed why he took the decision to fire Cheryl Cole from the US version of the X Factor.

During an interview with Piers Morgan on his CNN show, the X Factor creator said that the singer looked "uncomfortable" on the panel:

"I was talking to someone about this at the screening the other night and they put it very well - she looked a bit bewildered.

"Not everyone's like you Piers. You come to a country like America, it's a bit deal, takes a while to adjust."

"And I took the view, along with a few other people, that she would have been more comfortable back in the UK.

"I think if she'd taken the UK gig, nobody would be feeling bad right now, because they're both big shows and hopefully this one will be as big as the UK show."

The music mogul took full responsibility for the decision and the fallout that followed, saying:

"But that's what you have to do when you produce, you have to make decisions in the moment and I take full responsibility for it."

The interview also featured Cheryl's replacement, Nicole Scherzinger who remained diplomatic with her answer when asked about replacing the Girls Aloud star, saying:

"Obviously I think she's a gorgeous girl who is very charming but for me it was an honour, I'm not going to lie, I cried when Simon told me because I felt like no matter where he had me on the show, I was going to be of service and do the best I could."