Jessica Simpson is a 'Frontrunner' to Judge The X Factor with Simon Cowell

Although buzz about which celebrities could join Simon Cowell's new show The X Factor is already going strong, a new name has been added to the mix. Jessica Simpson is a frontrunner to become one of the judges alongside Cowell.

"There [are] loads of conversations happening at the moment," says the source. "No one has been offered a judging role yet as new names keep coming forward who want the role, but there are some frontrunners and it's fair to say Jessica is one of them. She's very keen."

Simpson, 30, has the skills needed for this particular format, which features a $5 million recording contract as the grand prize, says the insider. Still, there are a lot of factors that go in to making the final choice.

"She knows what she is talking about [and] is talented and likable," the source says. "But Simon's not in a rush to decide. The judges have to mentor on The X Factor – it's more than just turning up for a few hours a week to appear on TV."

The judges will have to "work with contestants on music, dancers, styling," the source continues. "It's a lot of work."

The X Factor, which is already a hit in Cowell's native U.K., will debut in the U.S. on FOX in the fall, so producers have time to make a careful choice.

"They have to get the decision right, which takes time," the source says. "Those final decisions may not happen for a few weeks."

American Idol Adding Online Voting Via Facebook

Will you accept American Idol‘s friend request?

The Fox hit will soon announce that it’s adding online voting for the first time.

Here are the details: Users will be able to use their Facebook accounts to reach a dedicated Idol voting page that will include all the current contestants. Each fan will be able to vote 50 times during a telecast’s voting period. Viewers will still be able to vote via text messaging and toll-free phone calls as well.

The Idol plans have been in the works for awhile, though Fox hasn’t commented. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe leaked plans to introduce a form of online voting earlier this week, followed by somebody leaking plans to introduce Facebook voting for next fall’s The X Factor.
Idol creator Simon Fuller has been pushing for the show to embrace online voting as part of its widespread overhaul of season 10. With Idol still dominating in the ratings and viewers embracing Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez as judges, the industry consensus seems to be that the show has managed to pull off something that many thought impossible — soldiering on successfully in the wake of Cowell’s departure.

This latest change, online voting, is expected to go into effect during the performance show on Tuesday, March 1th.

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.

Tommy Mottola in Talks to Replace Simon Cowell

[This is our 3,000th posting on CharlieCruiser's World. Thanks for letting me keep you entertained. I hope you will stick around for at least my next 3,000 postings. Enjoy! - Carlos aka CharlieCruiser]

The buzz has begun over Simon Cowell’s replacement when the iconic judge steps away from American Idol after this season — and legendary music executive Tommy Mottola is a possibility to fill his spot, a source has stated.

Mottola, a longtime fixture in the music industry and Mariah Carey’s first husband, could also be working with Cowell on X Factor, which he is launching as his next step after Idol.

“Both X Factor and Idol are interested in working with Tommy,” the source said. “Nothing has been decided but they are talking. He’s a shrewd negotiator and a legendary music impresario who has a great ear and instinctively knows talent. He is the perfect person for something like this.”

But a source from Idol said, “No one has been offered a judging [position] on American Idol yet and there are no front-runners either. They have a lot of time to go over their options.”

Mottola, 60, has long been a heavy hitter in the music industry with knack for discovering talent. A former executive head of Sony Music Entertainment, he plucked Carey from relative obscurity (and eventually married her). Mottola is also credited with shaping stars including Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Diana Ross. He’s currently married to Mexican pop superstar Thalía.

What is the X Factor?

Simon Cowell wants to reassure fans that although he’s leaving American Idol after its 9th season this year, he isn’t leaving their living rooms.

“Don’t worry,” Cowell said after his announcement at a Television Critics Association press conference in Pasadena, California, that season 9, which premiered last night on FOX, will be his last as an American Idol judge. “I’m still going to be around, just doing a different show.”

That show is The X Factor, a talent competition Cowell created in 2004 in the U.K. and expects to bring to FOX in the fall of 2011. Peter Rice, chairman of FOX, said, “If we can have a show that can replicate the power of Idol in the fall, [that's] a big reward for us.”

How Is The X Factor Different From American Idol?

Both The X Factor and American Idol hold public auditions and air highlights of the good and bad performances. In last year’s X Factor, though, the auditions were held before a live audience. One key difference between the shows is that The X Factor accepts groups and duos in the competition; the show also takes contestants age 16 and over with no upper limit, while American Idol caps the age at 28.

“I don’t like rules,” Cowell said. “A lot of people over the years like to audition for Idol but were too old. I listened to that. Susan Boyle is the reason why I like to do shows without age. Without a show like [Britain's Got Talent], she would never have landed a recording contract and that’s what these shows can do … That’s why record labels are out of touch. It’s supposed to be David versus Goliath. That’s what I like about the format. Right now, who has the biggest X-factor in the world? Lady Gaga. [I would] love to find someone like that.”

Hollywood Round vs. Boot Camp: On American Idol, contestants who get a “golden ticket” to Hollywood then sing in groups or solos with some assistance from a vocal coach to further impress the judges, who then whittle them down to a top 24. The public then votes after watching the 24 perform and eventually settle on a top 12.

On The X Factor, the contestants who survive the first auditions are divided into groups and handed over to the judges, who then become their mentors. They are taken to different houses to study and train with their respective judge. After a few more cuts, boot camp ends with 12 acts ready to compete for the votes from viewers at home.

While both shows reward the victor with a recording contract and monetary prize based on a public vote, the judging along the way for The X Factor takes on a personal bent because the judges have worked so closely with the contestants and will defend their charges.

Cowell, however, believes there is room for both formats. Remarking on his departure from Idol, he says, ” It will be fine. It’s time and it’s fine. And American Idol will go on.”

Looking Toward the Future of X’s and Idols
One possible throwback to Cowell’s Idol days could include the return of Paula Abdul, who was the first judge to leave the show last year. “I adore Paula,” Cowell said. “No matter what happens, I’ll be working with her in the future. You just have to watch.”

As for reaction from current judges, Kara DioGuardi said on the radio show Valentine in the Morning, “I was a fan before I was on the show and he will be really missed.”

New Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres will poke fun at Cowell’s announcement and other changes in the TV landscape on her talk show this week. “He announced he’s leaving on my first day,” she jokes. “I’m trying not to take it personally. But seriously, I am going to be very, very sad to see him go, because I think he’s made the show what it is. He’s a huge part of that show but he wanted a change. I wish him all the luck in the world hosting The Tonight Show.”

Ellen DeGeneres 'Sad' Over Simon Cowell Idol Exit

Comedienne Ellen DeGeneres is "very, very sad" to see Simon Cowell leave American Idol, because he's such a big part of the show.

The music mogul announced on Monday he will be leaving the hit talent series at the end of the ninth season, which began on Tuesday night.

DeGeneres has replaced Paula Abdul as a judge on the new series, after the singer quit last year - and she's upset she'll only get to sit on the panel with Cowell for one season.

She says, "He announced he's leaving on my first day! I'm trying not to take it personally. But seriously, I am going to be very, very sad to see him go, because I think he's made the show what it is. He's a huge part of that show but he wanted a change."

Cowell quit American Idol to concentrate on launching a U.S. version of his smash hit British show The X Factor.

Breaking News! Simon Cowell Leaving ‘American Idol’ & Launching ‘X Factor’ on FOX in Fall 2011

It’s official, Simon Cowell is leaving “American Idol” to launch “The X Factor” stateside.

Simon announced the news himself at FOX’s Television Critics Association panel in Pasadena, California, on Monday afternoon.

Simon said the deal was reached early Monday afternoon to bring his British reality competition, which launched the career of Leona Lewis, stateside to FOX.

According to AOL TV, Simon signed the agreement on stage, which will not only bring the show over, but see Simon executive produce and judge on the show.

“I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of ‘The X Factor,’ and delighted to be continuing to work with FOX,” Simon said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

“The X Factor” will launch stateside in the fall of 2011, FOX confirmed in a release.

But with his new show starting in America, it means the end of Simon’s stint on “American Idol.” Simon confirmed the ninth season of “Idol,” which begins this week on FOX, would be his last.

When asked who might replace him on “Idol,” Simon suggested show host Ryan Seacrest could do it “so he can have another job,” AOL TV reported.

Simon went on to explain the format of “The X Factor,” which is different to the way “American Idol” works.

He told reporters his show will allow people to audition beginning at age 14, but without a cut off. And, just like the British version of the show, the judges will mentor the finalists, who perform weekly, live on television.

When asked to address rumors on whether Paula Abdul might join him on the judging panel, Simon reportedly said, “I adore Paula… I miss her… You’re just going to have to watch this space.”

And while Simon may be leaving, “Idol” itself isn’t going anywhere. An executive for FOX confirmed the show has been picked up for three additional seasons after this year.

Simon Cowell to Give The X Factor a Las Vegas Makeover

Simon Cowell is turning his U.K. TV talent show The X Factor into an international extravaganza - and he's picked larger-than-life Las Vegas as the contest's new home base.

The music mogul realised the potential for a global TV hit after viewers around the world began logging online to watch wannabe singers auditioning for his U.K. reality shows, including Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent.

And he believes he can persuade millions of people to tune into a worldwide version of The X Factor, which spawned singer Leona Lewis, by transferring it to Sin City to be broadcast on the web.

He's teaming up with billionaire retail boss Sir Philip Green for the new competition, which will be open to contestants across the planet.

Green explains, "The plan is to take it to Vegas. I'm not going to tell you with who, but the CEO of the venture is coming to see us next week. We'll have a permanent place, likely to be Caesar's Palace. The home of X Factor - live from Las Vegas.

"It'll all be online. You have 20, 30, 40 million people tuning in twice a week. You bring two or three hundred million viewers to a venue - off we go! It's taking The X Factor up a peg. The rest of the world is Part Two."

Cowell plans to air his global The X Factor on a pay-per-view internet station, reports Britain's The Sun.

Recently, there were talks about a US version of the show to be broadcast on FOX. At this point no further details have been provided about that venture. We will keep you posted as new information becomes available.

George Michael Hopes for Christmas #1

George Michael will reportedly go head to head with the X Factor winner for the Christmas #1. The star is to release "December Song," a remix of a track he gave away free to fans last Christmas.

He scored a number one with Wham! back in 1984 with Last Christmas.

It has been rumored he may perform "December Song" on The X Factor. It will be available to buy on December 13th.

Last year, the singer announced he was performing his final three major gigs but said he would not be retiring from music.