Judging change in Cowell's "X Factor"

The American version of Simon Cowell's singing competition "The X Factor" isn't scheduled to premiere until September, yet one of its four judges already may have been dropped.

British model and singer Cheryl Cole, 27, a judge on the British version of the show, has been replaced by choreographer and former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, according to TMZ. Scherzinger, 32, previously was announced as co-host with Steve Jones, a TV presenter in Britain.

Paula Abdul, music producer Antonio "L.A." Reid and Cowell remain as judges.

Calls to the production company by TMZ were not returned.