Nicole Scherzinger out as judge of "The X-Factor"

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Louisville native Nicole Scherzinger is out as judge of"The X-Factor." she and hostSteve Jones have been "X-ed" out of "The X Factor." Fox isn't giving a reason -- but says the judge and host will not be back when the show returns for its second season.

The network is trying to tweak the show in an effort to rev up its ratings. It has had consistent viewership -- but hasn't come close to the other Fox talent show -- something called "American Idol."

Simon Cowell left Idol to bring X-Factor to America, just as he did Idol more than a decade ago. Fox says Simon and the other two judges from season one -- Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid -- will be back for another try this season.

No comment yet from Scherzinger on her getting voted off by the producers.

In a Facebook post over the weekend, she wrote about being pretty upset.

Jones posted on his Twitter account saying his departure was "a shame" and added that he couldn't "complain as I've had a great time."

The second season of the singing show is set to debut later this year.