L.A. Reid Leaves Island Def Jam, Joins X Factor

Antonio L.A. Reid has resigned his post as chairman of Island Def Jam Records, and joined the judging panel of "The X Factor." He is responsible for signing many of today's biggest acts, including Rihanna, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The-Dream, and The Killers, amongst others.

Reid bid farewell in a note that opened with a Colin Powell quote: "Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand."

He is the first judge to be tapped for the latest edition of Simon Cowell's television talent show franchise. "The X Factor" is slated to premiere in September 2011. Reid's contract with Universal Music Group (IDJ's parent company) was set to expire in December, but he will be leaving early to join Sony Music, the label that will award a recording contract to the winner of "The X Factor."

Comments

[Darnell Roberts]

08:31 AM on 03/18/2011

Good riddance. Thanks for shelving Lost Tapes 2. "Don't let the door hittcha where Nas shoulda kicked ya"

[harriettubman]

12:17 AM on 03/18/2011

He use to be a handsome man. I don't know what happened. He didn't want Patti Labelle I know that. He thought Miss Patti was washed up. WTH????? Her pipes are still better than some of these new kids.

[littlebrowngirl]

10:01 PM on 03/17/2011

Get paid dude.

[RealityChezck]

08:53 PM on 03/17/2011

LA Reid's track record is compelling. Perhaps he'll give Cowell some long needed credibility.

[ClaudiaJean]

05:26 PM on 03/17/2011

L.A. Reid's dream is now a reality -- he will become a bigger celebrity/star than any of the artists on any of the label's he's run.

[emperance]

08:36 PM on 03/17/2011

Reid was a hitmaker - he deserves it - IMO.

[emperance]

03:35 PM on 03/17/2011

Perhaps NOW we'll get some REAL singers, making REAL music, writing INTELLIGENT lyrics.

Everything (pop, r/b & rap is trash) out here today is PURE RUBBISH - - - IMO.