Simon Cowell says Cheryl Cole was convinced to sign up to this year's X Factor by the success of acts including One Direction.
The singer has decided to rejoin the panel of the TV talent show because she's keen to find talent to match those who appeared on the last series she appeared on in 2010, according to the reality TV mogul.
Speaking at the opening night of new musical 'I Can't Sing' at the London Palladium, he told BANG Showbiz: "You know why she came back, we were having a conversation at my house and we were talking about the talent we had that final year in 2010 - One Direction, Rebecca Ferguson, Cher Lloyd, Matt Cardle, we just had great people, and we just suddenly thought we want to do it all over again.
"And that was the incentive to do it because there are still great people in this country left."
Simon - who became a father for the first time in February to son Eric, with his girlfriend Lauren Silverman - also gushed about his baby boy.
He said: "It's the best thing in the world. [He's like his] dad."
Other guests who also attended the first night of 'I Can't Sing' - which is based on 'The X Factor' format and features Nigel Harman as Simon - included, Amanda Holden , Louis Walsh, Union J and Carol Voderman.
Speaking about the musical, which was written by comedian Harry Hill, Simon added: "Harry's a very twisted individual. His vision of me and our world is quite weird, but it's very, very funny."
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