‘Destiny Child’ member and solo singer Kelly Rowland has officially signed on to join the judges panel for the UK’s ‘X Factor,’ reports Perez Hilton.

In its eighth season, Rowland will join fellow judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, and Louis Walsh.

In a statement, Rowland said: “I am so excited to join The X Factor UK and be able to spend time in one of my favourite places in the world.   The music coming out of the UK right now is incredible with artists like Adele, Jessie J and James Blake, so I’m confident this season of The X Factor will give me opportunity to hear a few diamonds in the rough.”

“Being a judge is never easy, but I promise to be as sternly honest as I can and also encourage everyone who crosses the stage.  I can’t wait to meet the world’s next superstar!”

I wonder what Cheryl Cole will do with her time now that she is not returning to the UK version. Cole was set to be a judge on the US version, but was replaced with Nicole Scherzinger due to American audiences not being able to ‘understand her.’ And now, there are no spots for Cole to return to on the UK version. Talk about a tough week.

Simon Cowell’s U.S. version of ‘The X-Factor’ is prepping for its first taping tomorrow and the hosts have been revealed, reports E Online.

It is being reported that Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones are set to host the show.

We know Scherzinger as the hot lead singer of ‘The Pussycat Dolls,’ but who is Jones, you ask? Jones is a big league live TV host in the UK where he’s known for shows like the popular music series ‘T4 Music’ and a BBC celebrity panel quiz show, ‘As Seen on TV.’

“Congrats to Steve Jones on landing the US X Factor co-hosting gig,” Piers Morgan tweeted, “great guy, really pleased for him.”

As for the judges, L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole have both been confirmed, but that still leaves one position open. Guess we’ll have to wait and see. It is being speculated that Paula Abdul is a front runner, but I highly doubt it. I mean, she left American Idol for a reason.

‘X-Factor’ is responsible for heavy-hitters Leona Lewis, so I’m sure the U.S. version will churn out some real talent as well. My hope, though, is that they don’t just focus on the singing, because we have enough shows like that (‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice’ come to mind.) I think they should incorporate dance, singing, instrumental, whatever kind of talent there is, if they want lots of viewers.