Recently, Cheryl Cole had been axed from the US version of X Factor after only two episodes. Simon Cowell himself was excited to bring her along as one of his British sidekicks on the show, but the true reasoning as to why she had been dumped from the show is unknown. Speculations arise that the reason she may have been let go is because of her think British accent and fear that the American public may not understand her. There have also been other rumors pertaining to her having to shape up her image to be more visually pleasing to the American Public, and instead has been offered a judging spot on the UK version of the show. Cole did not accept the offer and the reason of her departure remains unknown as of yet, but many factors contribute to there being some truth behind the rumors. Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger became her replacement, and Kelly Rowland is to judge the UK version. It is a mystery why it only took two episodes for her to get released, and shows a very hegemonic way of dealing with the issues if the rumors are true. By using the pretext that she is hard to understand, it proves that Americans prefer to listen and see only what is most comfortable and pleasing as the UK singer's expense.
link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/may/30/cheryl-cole-x-factor-judging-panel
As far as hegemony goes, I can see how this media topic can fit. Cole does not fit the group of what it means to be 'appealing' to the American eye. She does not fit the popular norm. Luckily, I wonder if those are the true reasons for her departure from the show, and if they are maybe she was too upset or ashamed to do the UK version. The fact that she was replaced with Nicole from the Pussycat dolls almost supports this entirely because she does in fact fit the general stereotypical American eye candy.
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