He should really get judges who are big in the US and know the market over there i.e. not Cole or Gallagher
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He should really get judges who are big in the US and know the market over there i.e. not Cole or Gallagher
George Michael has reportedly signed to become a judge on the forthcoming US version of The X Factor.
The ex-Wham! singer, who was released from jail in October after serving half of an eight-week sentence for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cannabis, has allegedly agreed a £1m deal to join Cheryl Cole on the panel.
A source told The Sun: "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 [Cowell] knows that Americans love him. He is as big in the US as he is [in the UK].
"He is a true star and has the wit and experience for the job. It's the perfect platform to resurrect his career."
It is thought that show boss Cowell met with Michael at his house last month to talk about the role.
The 'Freedom' star sang with Joe McElderry during the 2009 X Factor final.
Simon Cowell has reportedly described Cheryl Cole as "perfect" for a judging role on the US version of The X Factor, according to the Daily Star.
However, American bosses are said to reluctant to secure her services, as she remains unknown in the US.
A source said: "Simon is clashing heads with US producers, who don't want Cheryl on board. Bosses are convinced the show needs big US stars to compete with the star-studded line-up of American Idol."
"The American public don't know who Cheryl is and just 'being a good friend of Simon's from some unknown girlband' isn't cutting it."
The Girls Aloud singer recently revealed that she has yet to sign a deal for the American version.
Pepsi has been confirmed as an official sponsor of the US version of The X Factor.
Fox, Syco and FremantleMedia North America have revealed that the drinks firm will be the exclusive on-and-off air beverage sponsor of the reality singing contest.
Simon Cowell has revealed that he will be making an announcement about the US version of The X Factor in "two weeks time".
The music mogul commented that the judging panels for both the Britsh and American versions of the show have not been set in stone, teasing that he has "surprises" in store for viewers.
"We are going to make an announcement soon," PA quotes him as saying. "We have to make sure all the shows will be back bigger, better, stronger, different. No-one has been contracted yet, apart from me."
However, he insisted that the US competition, due to launch later this year, will not damage its British counterpart.
"I've got some ideas and I'm trying to make a show I'd like to watch. It has got to be different, full stop," he said.
Speaking about Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue's future on the ITV show, he revealed: "They haven't been given a contract yet. We are in the process of going through all the shows. I think there are going to be a few surprises. I genuinely do. I don't think there's one set way of doing it... I am in conversations with ITV and Fox."
He added: "The most important thing is to make a commitment to the people who watch the shows and make sure they are better than last year's."
Cheryl Cole could feature on the US version of The X Factor as Simon Cowell's adviser if she fails to land a spot on the judging panel, according to a report.
Producers on the upcoming Fox reality show are believed to be reluctant to sign the Girls Aloud singer due to concerns that she is not an established star in America - even though Cowell is pushing for her inclusion.
It has now emerged that - should Cole fail to secure a role as a judge - Cowell is likely to bring the 27-year-old onto the show in the position usually filled by '80s popstar Sinitta on the UK original.
A source told The Sun: "Simon desperately wants Cheryl to be a judge but if that's knocked back by Fox chiefs the next option is to start her as a mentor.
"It would be a way to test how she's received in America. Plus viewers would be able to warm to her first, rather than having her thrust upon them by going straight on the panel."
Cowell recently teased fans that there would be an official announcement about the US X Factor in "two weeks' time".
DS
Steve Jones has apparently claimed that he is one of the frontrunners to land the coveted presenting role on the US version of The X Factor.
The former T4 presenter was first linked with the job when it emerged last summer that he was on a shortlist of potential candidates. Jones later stated that he would "love" to be offered the opportunity to host the Fox reality show.
At the after party for the National Television Awards on Wednesday, Jones told The Sun: "I'm hearing good things. I don't want to jinx anything by thinking I've got it. One day I hear it's going my way, one day I'm less sure."
He added: "I'd love to do it, I really would."
The paper also claims that Jones is more likely to secure the deal than UK X Factor host Dermot O'Leary because he is considered by executives to be "better looking" - although both men could yet lose out to an American presenter who is more familiar to the US audience.
O'Leary recently revealed that he has made his pitch to producers, admitting: "There's not a lot more I can do."
How can they say Steve Jones is better looking than Dermot :eek: It's outrageous the job should go to Dermot.
I hope Dermot gets itQuote:
Originally Posted by Chloe O'brien
Dermot O'Leary has reportedly made the shortlist for the presenting job on the American version of The X Factor.
The host is believed to be the only British name on the list of six drawn up by executives at Fox, The Mirror claims. Simon Cowell recently revealed that announcements are to be made within the coming weeks.
"Dermot is still in with a great chance of getting the biggest job of his life, but he is in the dark at the moment," a source told the paper. "He has made the shortlist but there is some pretty stiff competition from a host of big names in America."
They added: "A decision has not been made yet so Dermot has to wait like any other fan of the show."
O'Leary apparently faces competition from Extra presenter Mario Lopez, E!'s Jason Kennedy and actor Zac Efron.