Throughout the long, drawn-out search for judges to join Simon Cowell on the American version of his singing talent competition, 'The X Factor,' one name has been brought up more often than any other: Cheryl Cole.

Today, Cowell and Fox confirmed Cole's place on the judging panel for his new show, alongside record mogul L.A. Reid and a yet-to-be-named fourth person (most likely Cowell's former 'Idol' compatriot Paula Abdul). So, who exactly is Cole anyway?

The 27-year-old British singer is a reality talent competition veteran herself, having been selected as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud via the TV show 'Popstars The Rivals' in 2002. The band has released five albums and sold more than 10 million records and has had 20 top 10 singles.

As a solo artist, Cole has released two No. 1 albums, including the triple-platinum '3 Words.' She's collaborated with will.i.am, Travie McCoy, Taio Cruz and Dizzee Rascal, and Adele covered her song 'Promise This.' Lily Allen even wrote a song about her ('Cheryl Tweedy').



As AOL TV wrote earlier this year, Cole's been the breakout 'X Factor' star since she replaced Sharon Osborne on the judging panel in 2008 (and subsequently won two years in a row), and she has maintained a highly visible media presence thanks to her marriage to, and divorce from, soccer player Ashley Cole (she's now dating 'Dancing With the Stars' pro Derek Hough), her many lucrative endorsements, and her role as a style icon. Her image as "the girl next door made good" has been reinforced by her refusal to tone down her distinctive Geordie accent.

Of her chances on the American 'X Factor,' she said in a statement earlier today, "I just can't decide whether I am more excited to find and nurture the talent or for the unbelievable amount of amusement and entertainment I will have watching Simon doing everything and anything he can to beat me. He's tried to beat me for three years in the U.K., and hasn't even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this."



Tell us: How do you think Cole will fare on 'The X Factor' in the U.S.?