Rihanna meets with her 'maker' L.A. Reid as guest judge on X Factor U.S.

By Chris Johnson

Last updated at 7:17 AM on 13th October 2011

Her risqué performance on the British X Factor last year drew thousands of complaints.

But tonight RnB superstar Rihanna makes her return to the hit franchise - this time appearing alongside her 'maker' L.A. Reid on the U.S. version for the judges houses stage of the contest.

Reid signed Rihanna six years ago at his label DefJam Recordings after being bowled over by her audition.

Lending her support: Rihanna will appear alongside L.A. Reid tonight on the X Factor U.S. at the judges houses stage to help the music producer whittle his eight acts down

Nice to meet you: The 23-year-old singer, who was signed by Reid six years ago, is performing the role of a guest judge

Now, the Umbrella star will help Reid sort the wheat from the chaff on Fox tonight as they pick which of his eight acts in the boys category to send through.

All will be revealed when the show airs tonight and on Thursday - but usually each of the four judges take through four acts each.

Fighting for a place on the lives shows in Reid's category are Brennin Hunt, Brian Bradley, Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, Nick Voss, Phillip Lomax, Skyelor Anderson and Tim Cifers.

Look who it is: Reid walks out hand in hand with Rihanna as he introduces her to the hopefuls in a still from tonight's episode on Fox

Stills released from tonight's episode show Rihanna being introduced to the contestants before watching their performances in the grounds of Reid's home.

The 23-year-old star is dressed casually in denim and heels - a far cry from her look on the UK show last year when she cavorted around suggestively in a two-piece in a pre-watershed performance.

Speaking about Reid, Rihanna said he can be 'a pain in the ass' - while she described fellow judge Simon Cowell as being 'raw' and 'very' honest with his caustic critiques.

Trying to impress: Contestant Phillip Lomax auditions as he battles for a place in the live shows

Sitting pretty: Rihanna dressed in full denim for her pre-recorded stint on the talent show

'I don’t know who’s more competitive between L.A and Simon. They are both very stubborn individuals,' she says.

'Simon is.. very raw. Let’s put it that way. With the way that he approaches critique. But it’s very honest. You have to listen to everything he says, no matter how nasty it might sound.'

And the Barbadian star concludes that Reid will be carrying no passengers: 'L.A Reid… he can definitely be a pain in the ass as well.

What's your take? The pair look animated as they discuss which acts deserve to be put through

Hell for leather: Fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger out and about in NYC wearing a pair of skin-tight trousers teamed with Louboutin heels

Hell for leather: Fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger out and about in NYC wearing a pair of skin-tight trousers teamed with Louboutin heels

'I have to say, he will find a way to make you feel you might have a second chance on a nice day, but he rarely gives second chances. You have to really impress him in a short time.'

Rihanna also says that she would have been down to audition for the X Factor if it had been around at the time she was trying to break into the music industry.

'Six years ago before I was signed , if It was the X Factor that had come first, I definitely would have entered to have a chance at fulfilling my dream. With this show, it’s all so exciting, and Its like a party!'

Other rumoured guest judges tonight include Pharrell Williams, Mariah Carey and Enrique Inglesias - who will pair up with Nicole Scherzinger, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.