(Image Source: The X Factor)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger along with host Steve Jones have all been cut from the American version of ‘The X Factor’ -- but why, and what’s the plan for Simon Cowell’s competition show?

The word ‘bloodbath’ was a popular one Tuesday as reports hit that the three had gotten the ax from X. This leaves only LA Reid and Cowell as judges. The New York Daily News says the shocker is Abdul’s dismissal.

“While Scherzinger and Jones had both gotten mixed reviews … there seemed to be a consensus that Abdul was just what Cowell thought he'd hired.”

And Deadline reports “none of the three left on their own accord.” 

But E!’s telling a different story, saying it was Scherzinger’s choice to leave.  She wants to focus on her music career. 

Fox News points to ratings, reporting Cowell is upset the show only drew 12 to 13 million viewers per episode.

“The show had very good ratings … but came up short against ... ‘American Idol.' Cowell's former talent competition pulls in about 20 million viewers, and Cowell had said that if he didn't beat that number, he would consider the 'X Factor' a failure.”

But will the changes get Cowell the ratings he wants? Deadline speculates Cowell could see backlash from cutting Abdul, but EW writes …

“It’s clearly a smart move … Not only has the series gotten rid of its weaknesses, but it’s also made a move to keep the show in headlines for the next few months.”

So who could replace Scherzinger and Abdul? Media are guessing Mariah Carey --- Cowell has mentioned her in the past, and MSNBC applauds the possibility of new women on the show.

“Haven’t we seen enough of women playing the ‘It's too HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD’ role on these shows? Could ‘X Factor’ really not find women more capable of being critical … and throwing elbows at the men on the panel?”