Why Simon fired everybody

WHY THE BLOODBATH? A source close to The X Factor told The Hollywood Reporter that Simon Cowell fired Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger in part because he’s decided that the show needs a bigger celebrity on the panel next season. But the overriding factor was ratings, and the perception that the show under-performed in its first season. On that score, Cowell must take the brunt of the blame himself—it was he who boasted last August that he was anticipating a viewership of 20 million. Also nagging at Cowell are the constant Idol comparisons, THR noted, as many from inside and outside the show's sphere felt it simply wasn't different enough, especially with the familiar image of Abdul at Cowell's side. (2/1a)