Now, with Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and Steve Jones gone, we can all begin to speculate and dream about who our ideal judges would be for the X-Factor.

The problem with having judges replace this cast is that the people who…actually liked the show…may have trouble with getting used to a new format. Do we really want Paula Abdul/Nicole Scherzinger act-alikes who end up being wishy-washy about their voting power only because they don’t want to hurt feelings? And do we really want judges who keep complaining about how “tough” judging is?

No.

That’s why we like Simon Cowell.  For him, judging is like taking off a band-aid you’ve had on for too long…the process can be very quick, to the point, and extremely painful. But once it’s done, it’s done.

So, how can we add to the dynamic of the judges table without making an awful cry-fest?

Well, let’s hope that we can figure this out with our dream cast of X-Factor Judges…

Dream Judge # 1 – Lady Gaga

Okay, usually these judging gigs go to B-list celebrities that are hoping to revive a dying career, which is definitely not the case for Lady Gaga, but…one can only hope, right? With her combination of talent and her (seemingly) understanding (albeit, weird) nature…she would be a nice balance of actually knowing what she is talking about without the cruelty of Simon.

Dream Judge # 2 – Madonna

I mean, come on, really…I sing poorly and I would have no problems trying out for X Factor just to see Madonna in person. She has talent, she is an icon, and she tells it like it is. And, if they could some how bring Madonna and Lady Gaga, we are bound to see a bit of fun animosity (which, really…we all love that) between those two judges.

Dream Judge # 3 – Gene Simmons

 Aside from the fact that as the lead singer of Kiss he has made a name for himself with that extra long tongue of his, Gene Simmons is no stranger to the world of singing contests. He appeared on American Idol as a guest judge and was considered for some time to be a great replacement for Simon Cowell.

Dream Judge # 4 – Katy Perry

 Now, Katy, we all know that you are recovering from your post-marriage breakup, and so we all know that with any breakup the busier you get the less time you have to think about your former beau (it never works, but we all try). Plus, not only did she give great critiques on the people she judged while being a guest on American Idol, she has the love of the fans as well. She would definitely get my attention onto the X-Factor (plus, she doesn’t have the “once-was” factor that the newer judges for American Idol have…)

Dream Judge # 5 – Paul McCartney

 I thought I would throw another icon on the list. How can we ever get a great contestant if we don’t have “the greats” up there to judge them? If X-Factor really wants to beat out American Idol, the judges table will have to be strengthened. And adding a former Beatle, and rock icon would definitely do the trick.