Sunday 24 October 2010

Mariah Carey tipped to get X Factor slot over Cheryl Cole

Global superstar Mariah Carey is tipped to shatter Cheryl Cole's dream of global stardom on the US version of X Factor. The Vision Of Love singer is in negotiations to join the judging panel - ending months of speculation that Cheryl was a main contender for the role.

Mariah, 40, has told show bosses she will take the job if filming dates fit in with her work schedules. Earlier this month we revealed how Cowell was still trying to persuade Fox TV executives that Cheryl was perfect for the show. And he said last night: "Look, I've said I'd love Cheryl out there but whether it will happen, who knows? Mariah Carey would be an amazing addition to the US show. And she's exactly the right calibre of star that we want for the show. I can't say more because it's too early and I can't say. But there will be surprises."

But a source in the US reveals: "The Fox executives are totally against Cheryl joining the panel. Simon has put her forward and is trying to persuade them she's perfect for the job. But they're saying that together with her accent being difficult to understand, and nobody knowing who she is, she doesn't have the star qualities to draw in an audience. They are going to be competing with American Idol's star-studded panel of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and J-Lo, and Cheryl just doesn't cut it compared to them. She's not a name. While Simon may want Cheryl he understands Fox's insistence that he delivers a strong panel to bring viewers, and therefore advertising, in and make as much money as they can."

If talks succeed, Mariah - who has sold 180 million albums - is expected to join the panel with Cowell, 50, and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, 32, next June. The source adds: "Mariah Carey's people say she's fully behind the idea and they're very interested in taking talks further. Mariah has already had the initial meeting with Fox so she will more than likely take the spot Simon wanted for Cheryl."

Cheryl's name has been linked with X Factor US since Cowell announced the deal last year. Bosses hope the show will pull in up to 30 million viewers each week. And Dermot O'Leary is expected to reprise his UK role as host Stateside. The source adds: "Dermot is in talks for the job and has done a whole round of auditions. They've watched a lot of his tapes from the UK show and love his presenting style and charisma. They think he could be the next Ryan Seacrest as he has a great likeability factor. It would also be perfect for Dermot as his TV producer girlfriend Dee Koppang is in LA. She is about to start working on Dancing on Ice there and has a lot of projects coming up. So if Dermot gets the job they are looking at a more permanent move."

(Mirror)



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