Simon Cowell has opened up on why he dumped Cheryl from the US X Factor.

The singer was due to appear as a judge on the inaugural series of the TV talent show in 2011, but she was axed after a few auditions.

The 'Call My Name' star has returned to the UK version of the show this year and Cowell told the Radio Times that he felt Cheryl was lacking confidence in herself after her divorce from Ashley Cole when she went to the US.

Speaking about the bright clothes she wore to her first X Factor USA audition, Cowell said:

"When I saw her I didn't recognise her. Literally. The hair and outfit were crazy. Just totally crazy. I asked her manager, 'What's she wearing, what's happened to her hair?'

"He was defensive about it. I haven't a clue why she turned up like that. She'd put on a bit of weight, but not loads. That wasn't the issue. The only way I can describe it is that it wasn't Cheryl sitting in that seat. She'd lost her confidence."

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Watch Cheryl on the X Factor below: