After months of speculation, it looks like the singer and her mentor Simon Cowell have finally convinced TV chiefs at Fox to give her a slot on the show.
A source told the News of the World: 'Simon is the boss of this show. He gets what he wants and he wants Cheryl. The money you make on American TV is huge, but there's also a huge risk. The way American contracts are gives Fox the chance to opt out if viewers don't take to her. But Simon won't let that happen. As soon as it's announced she's going to be a judge the plan will be to launch her music career in the States. It's important Americans realise she's a credible music star if she's going to be judging other singers.'
Cowell is said to be trying to find a way for him and Cole to carry on starring in the British version of the show alongside the US program.