L.A. Reid joins Simon Cowell as “X Factor” Judge

According to New York Times, Antonio “LA” Reid, the chairman and chief executive of the Universal Island Def Jam Music Group at the Universal Music Group, will take a leave from the company to become a judge on “The X Factor,” a British show by Simon Cowell. The American version of this show will begin on Fox in September.

The show is partnering with Sony Music and giving the winner a recording contract worth $5 million.

Reid has a history of signing and producing star talent such as Mariah Carey, P!nk, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Avril Lavigne, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, OutKast and more.