Cheryl Cole takes Simon Cowell to court in 'X Factor USA' suit

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Though Simon Cowell and singer Cheryl Cole have reportedly mended fences, their newfound friendship doesn't change Cole's ongoing case against the popular judge over the entire X Factor USA debacle.

The Daily Mirror reports that Cheryl Cole will come face-to-face with Cowell in court as she intensifies her £3.5million compensation claim over her humiliating termination from The X Factor USA in 2011.

The 30-year-old singer has refused point blank to settle with makers Blue Orbit and instructed lawyers to quiz the music mogul along with judges LA Reid and Paula Abdul on how much they earn.

A Los Angeles judge gave her the green light to see the trio’s contracts. She will call Cowell, 53, as key witness.

But fans hoping for a public airing of The X Factor chief’s wages are in for a blow - Judge Abraham Klein ruled contract details must be kept secret.

Cheryl’s deals will also be kept from the public – along with payout details if she wins the case.

An insider close to the situation said, “This paperwork is a clear sign that Cheryl wants her day in court. She is pushing for full fees… £2million, legal fees and a bonus, which could total £3.5million. Cheryl will learn what Simon earned and her co-stars too." The source adds, “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."

The insider finally went on to say, “Every aspect from pay, expenses, contracts and personal ­requirements of the stars will be released.”

Cheryl accepts she was paid the full £1.2million wage for her participation in the American import of the popular UK talent series, despite only making a very brief appearance during the initial audition phase of The X Factor USA. However, the singer claims she was promised an additional £1.5million for a second season, regardless of the relative success or failure of the first. Blue Orbit, however, insists Cole was treated fairly.

If Cole loses the cases, she faces a £1 million bill from her legal team, in addition to Blue Orbit’s costs.