Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were fired from 'X factor'

Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones obviously didn't have the "X Factor" that Fox and show producer Simon Cowell were looking for.

Following this week's news that Jones would not host the upcoming second season of the talent show, word came yesterday that judges Abdul and Scherzinger had also gotten the boot.

The only judges left for Season 2 are "American Idol" alum Cowell - who hired his fellow former "Idol" judge and close pal Abdul when "The X Factor" made its American debut last year - and record exec L.A. Reid.

"Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to 'The X Factor' next season," Abdul said in a statement release Tuesday. "Simon is, and will remain, a dear friend of mine and I've treasured my experience working this past season."

Disappointing first-season ratings reportedly sparked the firings. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Cowell is looking to fill one judge's shoes with a "bigger celebrity." There's no word yet on potential picks.

Follow Style/Entertainment Editor Julie Gordon on Twitter: @jbgordon