Simon Cowell has filled the fourth and final judge’s chair for the highly-anticipated US version of his singing competition, The X-Factor. The last seat went to none other than his former American Idol co-star Paula Abdul.

Abdul, who quit Idol two years ago in a contract dispute finalized her X Factor deal in the 11^th hour on Sunday, just in time for the first day of auditions which were held in Los Angeles.

"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can't believe I am saying this — I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show," said Cowell in a statement confirming the long-rumored news.

Abdul is also happy to be reunited with her old time sparring partner. "I am excited beyond words to be a part of the 'X Factor.' I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show," she said in the announcement. "[I] know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we're going to have a blast. I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

The old Idol buddies will judge The X-Factor with Cheryl Cole and Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, who have already been named as  judges on the show, and pick one lucky contestant to win a $5 million prize and a recording contract. Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and UK TV presenter Steve Jones have been hired to host the competition which airs on Fox in September.

(Photo: Ray Mickshaw/Fox/PictureGroup)