Paul Abdul Confirmed for 'X Factor': Who's the Best Reality TV Judge of All Time?

by SodaHead Slideshows Posted 2011/05/09 16:00:00

Related Topics: Oscars, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Gordon Ramsay, Dancing with the stars, Hell's Kitchen, bruno tonioli, Tim Gunn, the apprentice, michael bolton, Paula Abdul, Donald Trump, Oscar, Judge, Steve Jones, Simon Cowell, Entertainment

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Paula Abdul

Whether you thought she was the heart and soul of "American Idol" or a mysteriously addled oddity, Abdul will reunite with Cowell on "The X Factor" judges' panel this fall.

Paula Abdul

Whether you thought she was the heart and soul of "American Idol" or a mysteriously addled oddity, Abdul will reunite with Cowell on "The X Factor" judges' panel this fall.
Simon Cowell

Believe it or not, "American Idol" ratings are up slightly without Cowell -- but millions of fans still miss his zingers.
Gordon Ramsay

The "Hell's Kitchen," "Kitchen Nightmares" and "MasterChef" judge has terrified chefs -- and TV viewers -- throughout the nation.
Donald Trump

Trump is so convincing at firing people on "The Apprentice" that some people think he should run the entire country.
Tim Gunn

The "Project Runway" judge now weighs in on fashion "events" like the Oscars and the royal wedding.
Bruno Tonioli

The "Dancing With the Stars" judge is known for getting overly excited -- and some say he crossed the line when he called Michael Bolton's jive dance the worst he had seen in all 11 seasons.
Mary Murphy

The "So You Think You Can Dance" judge will return as a permanent judge this season, bringing along her much-missed enthusiasm and catchphrases like "Hot Tamale Train."

Paul Abdul Confirmed for 'X Factor': Who's the Best Reality TV Judge of All Time?

1,184 votes
Read all 8 opinions
View Results and Demographics + View Demographics

Loading Demographics... Click an icon to see demographic results Display unknown and private
	Paula Abdul	148 votes	13%
	Simon Cowell	753 votes	64%
	Gordon Ramsay	91 votes	8%
	Mary Murphy	21 votes	2%
	Bruno Tonioli	44 votes	4%
	Tim Gunn	38 votes	3%
	Donald Trump	89 votes	8%

We know you've missed Simon Cowell ... but does Paula Abdul deserve another reality TV comeback?

Whether you thought she was the heart and soul of "American Idol" or a mysteriously addled dimwit, Abdul will reunite with Cowell on "The X Factor" judges' panel this fall, Fox announced on Sunday.

"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can't believe I am saying this: I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show," Cowell said in a written statement.

Cowell and Abdul were known for their love-hate relationship, with Abdul often serving as the butt of Cowell's jokes.

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of 'The X Factor,'" Abdul said in the statement. "I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

Abdul left "Idol" in 2009 after eight seasons -- one year before Cowell did the same -- in a contract dispute. Her next gig, on CBS's "Live to Dance," tanked in the ratings this year.

British pop star Cheryl Cole and music producer Antonio "L.A." Reid will complete "The X Factor" judges' panel. Steve Jones, a popular TV host in the U.K., and ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger will co-host.

From Abdul to Cowell to Donald Trump to Gordon Ramsay, click through our slideshow and let us know: Who's the best reality TV judge of all time?

Add a comment above

atraheadus 2011/07/11 19:07:23

Simon Cowell

Its simon of course! he finded out Leona Lewis!

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Fisher 2011/05/12 14:32:50

Bruno Tonioli

Well I have to pick Druno...he is funny, have a sense of humour and he give good & honest critics. Simon is a great judge but sometime (or most of the time) I found he is very rude

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SAIGIFER 2011/05/11 21:26:59

Simon Cowell

because he is soooooooooooooooooooooooo honest

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Ricardo... to SAIGIFER 2011/11/07 11:36:34

+2
no one can do it better than simon cowell he is realy soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

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FunkyMunky 2011/05/11 16:50:36

Gordon Ramsay

NO "Undecided" box? Kind of short-sighted and pompous of the creator of this question to think they came up with all the good options.

How about Padma Lakshmi from "Top Chef". She knows her food and she is WAY hotter than any other name on this list.

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Zach 2011/05/10 05:03:19

Simon Cowell

He'll give you the honest truth.

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Jareth Majere 2011/05/09 18:56:21

Mary Murphy

Hot Tamale Train

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truth seeker 2011/05/09 16:35:07

Paula Abdul

Paula only because she's the hottest- well until Jennifer Lopez came along. Best judge is actually Marilyn Millian on People's Court.

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