‘The X Factor’ judges to be replaced by Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio

The X Factor has announced singers Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be taking the spots of judges Britney Spears and L.A. Reid this Fall on FOX. Current judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato will stay on the panel.

Rolling Stone reports that ratings for the live talent competition have been unstable since it first aired in 2011, hinting this change may be an attempt to boost viewers. This isn’t the first judge swap that has occurred, as the show started out with Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, who both only lasted one season.

Rowland has been a judge on the UK version of X Factor, and according to CBS News stated, “I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and ‘The X Factor’ family. It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the States!” Rubio is also excited, saying, “I can’t wait to find the next big music star here in America. I’m so thrilled to be part of the show as a judge.”

As for fellow judge Simon Cowell’s opinion on being the only male judge on a panel of four, he has said, “…This is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different.”

Rowland became famous during her time with Destiny’s Child alongside Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams. Paulina Rubio is a veteran Latina singer from Mexico. US Magazine reports Rubio has experience judging televised musical competitions, as she has been a member of the panel on La Voz Kids, a version of the Voice that is on Spanish-language network Telemundo.