simonnewxfactor.jpgAfter months of speculation that included everyone from Paula Abdul to Nicole Scherzinger to Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell has finally revealed who will be joining him at the judges table when X Factor premieres on Fox this fall:

L.A. Reid!

Who's that you ask? Reid is the former Chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group as well as a prolific songwriter and producer.

He's had a hand in the success of multi-platinum-selling artists like Mariah Carey, Pink, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Avril Lavigne, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, OutKast, and Dido.

"L.A. was my number one choice to sit alongside me on the show," Simon said in a statement Friday. "In my opinion, he is one of the greatest ever music executives and of course a fantastic writer and producer. I am thrilled he has agreed to join the show, and for any artist auditioning, they know they have the chance to meet a true star-maker."

Reid chimed in, saying, "I am proud to stand next to my dear friend Simon, one of the world’s most gifted and charismatic talent magnets."

Auditions begin in Los Angeles later this month, but the show won't premiere until the fall. And I guess we'll have to wait for Cowell to reveal who else will be joining him and Reid at the table!

L.A. Reid actually got his start as a musician ... see who he played with after the jump!