Steve Jones thinks ‘The X Factor’ USA was at its best when he hosted it.
The Welsh hunk, who was famously axed from Simon Cowell’s singing competition after just one season in 2011, thinks the first season of the show was better than the two subsequent ones hosted by Mario Lopez.
‘The X Factor’ USA saw many changes over its three years on air – before being cancelled by FOX earlier this year – but Steve thinks Simon should have stuck with the original judging line-up which consisted of himself, LA Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.
He told Star magazine: "I would have stuck with the original cast, but the formula was changed and the American audience didn’t embrace it."
Quizzed about his opinion on the show’s axe, he added: "I don’t really think about it. I enjoyed the first series, then we parted ways. I’m just proud to have been part of the best series."
The 37-year-old star admits he never really got to know Simon Cowell, 54, during his time on the show but has "no hard feelings" about being fired.
He said: "I didn’t really hang out with him. He’d go back to his house, chill out, scheme! I’ve always liked him, though."
Steve, who has now returned to the UK after moving to Los Angeles for the show, says he can’t see himself replacing Dermot O’Leary on the UK ‘X Factor’.
He explained: "That’s Dermot’s show. ‘The X Factor’ didn’t set my world alight. Those shows are entertaining but I like to use my brain a bit more."
Steve Jones proud of ‘best’ X Factor USA season
