Simon Cowell to Be a Judge on X Factor

Simon Cowell won't speculate on who will be behind the judges' table on the American version of The X Factor, but he confirms there will be one familiar face on the panel – himself.

"Once the show goes into production, I become a judge," Cowell told reporters Monday. "Then I have to put my trust into the producers' hands, which is effectively how it works in the U.K. Yes, I am judging."

Before the show starts, Cowell will serve as executive producer and participate in the selection of the judging panel, which has been widely speculated about. Nicole Scherzinger, Rihanna, Jessica Simpson, Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry and Will Smith have all been rumored as possible judges on the show.

Cowell says feelers are out to certain possible judges, though he would not list their names. Asked about his former Idol pal Abdul, he said, "I'm a massive fan of Paula. We honestly haven't made our mind up yet … We're talking to a number of people. We hope to make an announcement in three to four weeks."

So, can viewers expect the same hard-nosed Simon Cowell they have come to expect from his years on American Idol? Or will he be a softer, gentler Simon on X Factor?

"I started to cringe over the years as I saw people being booked as the so-called 'mean' judge and being gratuitously rude for the sake of it. I had my own style and like to think I'm honest and wouldn't sugarcoat something to make myself popular," he said. "I am gong to try and be consistent, as I have been over the years … People know what to expect if I'm on the judging panel. I don't think things will change too much."

Cowell is excited about judging on this show since, unlike on Idol, it will involve working directly with contestants. "I wanted to make a show where I could help the competitors on a weekly basis and that's more interesting to me because I will have a lot more to do," he said.

On X-Factor" competitors will make home visits to the judges during the evaluation process and perform in front of live audiences of several thousand right from the start to see "who can handle the pressure," adds Cowell.

Plus, the stakes are high for the hopeful stars: The winner of X Factor will be awarded $5 million record deal, the largest guaranteed prize in TV history.

Cowell also says he's glad that audiences are still interested in talent competitions. "The good news is people are still excited about these shows – Idol, Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent – people, thank god, still like these shows and that gives me confidence for when we launch ours [in the fall]."

George Michael Joining "The X Factor"

Simon Cowell has put his Faith in George Michael, by making him a judge on the forthcoming American version of X Factor.

The former Wham! star, 47, will join the talent show mogul and Cheryl Cole, 27, on the debut series next year.

It will allow the troubled singer to re-launch his career after his jail stint earlier this year for drug-driving.

A source said: "George is going to take the job. It's an amazing opportunity to get back in the limelight and reverse his recent bad spell. Simon knows that Americans love him. He is as big in the US as he is over here.

"He is a true star and has the wit and experience for the job. It's the perfect platform to resurrect his career."

Simon, 51, is believed to have offered him a hefty deal when he visited George at his home in November to discuss the role.

The Freedom star, who sang with winner Joe McElderry on last year's final show of the UK version, is a huge fan of reality TV as well as Coronation Street. George will have to apply for a US work permit - and due to his recent brush with the law it could take longer to obtain.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 67, and Noel Gallagher, 43, have also received calls about a judging role.

The ex-Oasis star is mulling over the offer after his management met show chiefs. Noel has twice refused to allow an X Factor Oasis night because the band were still on the road.

A source said: "Simon is determined to have a panel of amazing judges.

"The show has to go off with a bang especially as Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will be on American Idol."

Nicole Scherzinger & Cheryl Cole Rumored to be Joining Simon Cowell on The X Factor

Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole are set to sign multi-million dollar contracts for the American version of X Factor.

The Pussycat Dolls singer and the British pop star – who is currently a judge on the British version of the reality TV contest – are set to team up with music mogul Simon Cowell as he launches the singing competition in the US.

It is believed Cheryl is preparing to quit her role on the panel of the British version to make her move to Los Angeles permanently.

A source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "I would say it’s a good bet that Cheryl is coming to America. It’s something that Simon and Cheryl have been discussing for months. You know, it’s a very exciting prospect for everyone involved to have Cheryl on board."

Nicole is also rumored to be preparing to sign a huge contract to sit alongside Simon on the panel, after impressing him during her guest appearance on the UK show – where she stood in for judge Dannii Minogue while she was on maternity leave, and Cheryl while she recovered from malaria.

The New York Post reports: "Sources tell us sultry Scherzinger is a favorite with Cowell after she made a guest appearance as a judge on the hit British version of the show this year."

Cheryl has been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles over the past few months, after growing close to 'Dancing With The Stars' hunk Derek Hough – who she is believed to have been dating since she split from her soon-to-be ex-husband Ashley Cole earlier this year and is looking forward to starting a new life overseas.

The source said: "When Cheryl goes to America she will also launch her music career there too. It’s the next part of her big plan, she’s an incredibly hard worker and she will definitely get a boost by appearing on 'The X Factor', which is set to be a sure-fire hit.

"'The X Factor' will be off air in the UK next year and by the time it returns in January 2012, it is highly unlikely that Cheryl will return.

"Cheryl loves Los Angeles and this is extremely exciting. It is all part of a fresh new start for her."

The US version of The X Factor will premiere next Fall on FOX.

Simon Cowell's Charity Single for Haiti

Mariah Carey has signed up to join some of the world’s biggest stars and add her vocals to Simon Cowell’s star-studded cover version of the REM ballad "Everybody Hurts." Simon has revealed the 40-year-old singer-and-actress was so keen to help raise relief funds for the Caribbean island following the two devastating earthquakes, she altered her schedule to fit in the recording.

He said: "We're getting there. We have had an incredible amount of support. It's amazing these great singers are clearing their schedules to make this happen. I just found out Mariah has changed her schedule to be able to do this too. It says such a lot that everyone is working so hard to help Haiti. This is something that really matters to us all and I'm so grateful for the support we are getting."

Simon, who hopes the song will be released next Sunday, is thrilled about the extra publicity which will be generated now Mariah has joined the bill. A source added to The Sun newspaper: "Mariah was brilliant, she wanted to help in any way she could. Her name gives the single another great boost.”

Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus has also joined the track’s all-star cast, in addition to Cheryl Cole, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, James Blunt and Rod Stewart. The individual vocals are being compiled by producer Steve Robson, using advanced technology which means artists do not need to record together.