Simon Cowell has been criticised for failing to foresee that the pairing of Cheryl Cole and Paula Abdul would be "disastrous"

Simon Cowell has been criticised for failing to foresee that the pairing of Cheryl Cole and Paula Abdul would be "disastrous" for the US X Factor.

A show insider has said that the music mogul should have known that American audiences would not accept two "giggly, playful" co-judges.

The source told Metro: "He never thought through how Cheryl and Paula could work together when their whole performance is based on a giggly, playful relationship with him. Only one can sit next to him and do that.

"Having the two of them was never going to work, and the fact Simon even entertained the idea shows a lack of judgement that has been noted by everyone in the industry."

Speaking at the weekend, Abdul claimed to be surprised to discover Cheryl had been fired from the show.

She insisted she was "really excited about the relationship and friendship [they] were forging".

Meanwhile, Cheryl is said to feel let down by Simon telling friends that she never wanted to move to the States as Cowell pushed her into the decision.

Cowell is also have problems with the UK X Factor with only Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow officially confirmed for the judging panel.

Following Cheryl and Dannii Minogue's departure from the reality show there are still two empty places on the panel.

Posted in: Simon Cowell has been criticised