Simon Cowell sorry Cheryl Cole

Hours after it was confirmed that British singer Cheryl Cole would not be part of either the British or American version of The X Factor, Simon Cowell said the show's producers believed their decision "would be beneficial to her, funny enough," according to the Associated Press.

Yesterday, Fox and producers announced that Cole was to be replaced on the network's version of the show by Nicole Scherzinger, who will shift from co-host to judge. Cowell dismissed reports that Cole, who had already been a judge on the U.K's X Factor, lacked chemistry with fellow judge Paula Abdul or that her accent was a hurdle for American audiences. "She was good on the American show," Cowell said. "I personally thought she was missing her family and friends. She just looked a little bit, I wouldn't say uncomfortable, but just not as happy as I've seen her on previous shows."

Cowell said he'd texted Cole that he assumes "full responsibility," and that he hopes his friendship with her remains solid. "I always, always would hold the door open to work with her again," he said.

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