L.A. Reid Leaves Def Jam For Simon Cowell's X-Factor

Antonio L.A. Reid is chucking up the deuces and resigned his post as chairman of Island Def Jam Records, and joined the judging panel of "The X Factor." He is responsible for signing many of today's biggest acts, including Rihanna, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The-Dream amongst others.

Reid bid farewell in a note that opened with a Colin Powell quote: "Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand."

He is the first judge to be tapped for the latest edition of Simon Cowell's television talent show franchise. "The X Factor" is slated to premiere in September 2011. Reid's contract with Universal Music Group (IDJ's parent company) was set to expire in December, but he will be leaving early to join Sony Music, the label that will award a recording contract to the winner of "The X Factor."