"X Factor" Is Going To Be A Great "Exercise" For LA Reid (PHOTOS)

Legendary record executive Antonio "LA" Reid announced that he's leaving Def Jam to become the first judge on Simon Cowell's American version of the talent show "X Factor." 

The former chairman of Island Def Jam records will join Simon Cowell for the new FOX talent program, which airs this fall. "X Factor" has been a hit show in the UK for a number of years now, as well as the launching pad of many popular UK singers.  

LA Reid has discovered many of the mega stars in the industry today. Mariah Carey, Usher, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Outkast, Pink and Rihanna are just a few of the artists he branded and molded into superstars. He's also won three Grammys and 33 of his songs have reached the top of the charts.

Russell Simmons ran into LA Reid and spoke to him about his decision to leave Def Jam to become an judge on "X Factor." LA told Russell he thinks the "X Factor" is going to be a lot of fun and that he's excited to be a part of such a great show. LA also shared how this new opportunity will affect him, "this whole experience will be a great branding exercise," he said. 

Check out pics of LA Reid and the stars he helped create on the next pages!