Simon Cowell Speaks Rihanna X Factor Judge Speculation

Entertainment NOW! chats to Simon on the I Can't Sing! red carpet

Published 27th Mar 2014

Simon Cowell has rubbished media reports that Rihanna is going to be a judge on this year’s X Factor.

The Daily Star ran a front page ‘exclusive’ yesterday claiming that Barbadian pop superstar Rihanna will be joining the returning Simon and Cheryl Cole on the big name judging panel.

Speaking to Entertainment NOW! at the premiere of Harry Hill’s X Factor musical I Can’t Sing! in London last night, Simon told us the story is nonsense.

“I never spoke to her,” Simon said. “It would have been nice but I don’t think she’d be available because of her commitments this year. I know her quite well but I never spoke to her.”

Simon also told us that he didn’t hesitate asking Cheryl Cole to come back on The X Factor: “I’ve always believed with Cheryl, y’know, when something works there’s nothing wrong with going back. It’s a good recipe.”

We also spoke to Simon about why he’s embarrassed about his own character in I Can’t Sing! and the reason he didn’t get involved in the writing process.

Listen to what he said below: