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American 'X-Factor' to feature Cheryl Cole?

Jul 3, 2009, 12:00 GMT

Cheryl Cole. The Girls Aloud singer, who is a judge alongside Simon Cowell on the UK TV talent show, has impressed Simon so much he wants her to appear in a similar show Stateside. Solarpix / PR Photos

Cheryl Cole is to front a US version of 'X Factor'.

The Girls Aloud singer, who is a judge alongside Simon Cowell on the UK TV talent show, has impressed Simon so much he wants her to appear in a similar show Stateside.

A source close to Cheryl - who turned 26 this week - said: "Simon is on the brink of signing a deal to take 'X Factor' to America and, if he gets his way, Cheryl will be its star.

"He thinks she has amazing presence and her down-to-earth Northern charm will appeal to the American public. She is also an incredibly beautiful girl.

"She won't get paid anything like the million pound salary she's on here, because obviously she is not as well known in the States.

"But if it is a success, like most of Simon's shows are, it could catapult her into the big league."

TV executives are said to be flying in from the US to speak with Cheryl about the show.

Simon will not feature on the judging panel if the programme is launched because he is already a judge for rival TV show 'American Idol'.

It has also been rumoured Simon will quit the UK version of the show after its next series, as he is too busy with his other projects.

Simon and Cheryl's husband, soccer star Ashley Cole, were all present at a surprise party to celebrate singer Cheryl's 26th Birthday on Wednesday (01.07.09).

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Cheryl just thought they were going out for a quiet meal.

"But when they pulled up outside the nightclub, she knew he had planned something special and she welled up with emotion."