Though widely expected, confirmation of Abdul's joining the new singing contest was held up as negotiations continued until the eve of the show's first taping, according to the person familiar with the talks. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Fox and the show's producers had not authorized public comment.
Representatives for Abdul did not respond to requests for comment.
Abdul will be on hand for Sunday's taping in Los Angeles of the first judging session for "The X Factor." This will reunite her with fellow judge Cowell, her former sparring partner on the "American Idol" judging panel. Other previously announced judges include British pop superstar Cheryl Cole and Grammy-winning producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.
"The X Factor," based on Cowell's hit British show, will debut this fall on Fox.
The 48-year-old Abdul is a dancer, choreographer and recording artist. She reigned on "Idol" as the nice if sometimes dizzy-seeming judge who often clashed colorfully with Cowell in his role as resident bullyboy. She left "Idol" in 2009, after eight seasons.
In January she debuted on CBS with her own talent competition, "Live to Dance," which was a flop.
Co-hosts of "The X Factor" will be Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger, according to the person familiar with the deal. Jones is a popular TV host in Britain. Scherzinger is a former member of the girl group the Pussycat Dolls who has appeared on the British version of "The X Factor."
"The X Factor" is open to solo singers and vocal groups age 12 and up. The winner will get a $5 million record contract.
