Simon Cowell says Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole wouldn't have been compatible on the same judging panel.
The 'Boomerang' singer - who mentored James Arthur to victory in 2012 - quit the show in February after two years on the judging panel, and head judge Simon, who is returning to the panel with Cheryl at his side, feels the two pop divas would have clashed.
He said: "I didn't think the two of them would work well together."
Simon, 54, also says veteran judge Louis Walsh has earned his place on the panel after staying loyal to the show for 10 years.
He added to The Sun newspaper: "I would find it difficult to do it without Louis. I tried it without him once and it didn't work. He does make a long day fun. I hope I don't have to talk ITV round. After 10 years he deserves a spot."
Meanwhile, Simon has also weighed in on speculation about who will join the panel, admitting he is leaning towards Spice Girls star Mel B for a judging role.
He said: "I like Mel B. We have got about a month to decide and we are meeting a lot of people. A lot of it actually depends on how much work they are willing to put in during the week."
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