Simon Cowell cleans house at X Factor

Simon Cowell gives his talent show "The X Factor" a major shake-up.

Cowell has confirmed that host Steve Jones and judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul will not return for the show's second season.

Abdul -- Cowell's old "American Idol" sparring partner -- released a statement saying:

"Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to The X Factor next season. I've learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations."

It ends by saying, Simon "will remain a dear friend of mine".

Cowell also commented, saying a "massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of 'The X Factor' last year".

Left at the judges table are Cowell, who is also the show's creator and record producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.

So far there is no word on replacements.

Alicia Powell, Reuters.