Cheryl Cole
Poor Cheryl. Even William Hung had more face time on a U.S. talent show. For the British singer and media personality, American fame seemed imminent this year, but it just wasn't in the cards. Cole's long been one of the judges on the U.K.'s massively popular X Factor and was originally slated to follow Simon Cowell across the pond for the U.S. version of the American Idol–esque talent show. With her Northern England accent and massive hair, she showed up for part of the premiere episode before inexplicably disappearing. Her judging seat was filled by Nicole Scherzinger (formerly of the Pussycat Dolls), and reports swirled that she was fired from the show because of her strong accent, her lack of recognition in the U.S. and a rumored feud with X Factor judge Paula Abdul. While the actual reason Cole left is unknown, not all is lost for the bubbly singer. She'll always have Britain.