'X Factor' judges return: Cheryl or Nicole?, What did you think of X Factor's big debut last night?, Simon Cowell was back at the judges' desk, along with his pal Paula Abdul and music producer L.A. Reid. We also got to see British judge Cheryl Cole in the first hour before she was replaced by former Sing-Off judge and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Although there had been buzz that Cole's accent was too much for American audiences, Simon told Piers Morgan this week that he axed Cole because she looked "bewildered" on the panel.

As for Scherzinger? She's not faring well with critics. USA TODAY's Brian Mansfield writes in today's Idol Chatter blog, "When she goes into her little-girl act, judge/mentor Nicole Scherzinger makes Paula Abdul look smart."

The New York Times said Nicole is "a downgrade" from Cheryl.

The Chicago Tribune notes "Scherzinger doesn't come off as an obvious improvement in the early going. She's more earnest like Kara DioGuardi than lovable like Jennifer Lopez."

And TV Guide wondered why the change was necessary, saying, "Cheryl was awesome, made total sense and was adorable to boot." What did you think of X Factor's big debut last night?, News, Celebrities, Latest USA News, X Factor news, Latest World News, 'X Factor' judges return: Cheryl or Nicole?, Latest X Factor season, X Factor Judges, Jennifer Lopez, Who judge the X Factor.