Simon Cowell To Confront Former X Factor USA Judge Cheryl Cole In Court: Salary Dispute Muddles 2013 Season

As "The X Factor" USA continues its 2013 auditions, judge and mastermind of the series Simon Cowell is under fire for an unresolved dispute with former judge Cheryl Cole due to her sudden dismissal.

Stemming back to "The X Factor" USA's debut season, Cheryl Cole was originally hired by Cowell to be a judge, but was later dismissed prior to airing.

Now, the Girls Aloud singer wants her day in court, and according to She Knows, wants Simon as a key witness.

In addition, Cole has been granted by a Los Angeles judge to see the other judges' contracts and their respective salaries in order to prove that she was treated differently.

"This paperwork is a clear sign that Cheryl wants her day in court. She is pushing for full fees... $3.3 million legal fees and a bonus, which could total over $5 million, Cheryl will learn what Simon earned and her co-stars, too," says a source to the Daily Mirror.

"Those papers could be the smoking gun if she can show others have been treated differently to her. The confidentially of discovery order means much of his ­testimony is unlikely to become public. Had it not been signed, the trial would have been the most explosive reality show trial."

Currently, "The X Factor" USA is undergoing radical changes for its 2013 season, including new judges Kelly Rowland and Paula Rubio to go along with Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato.