Cheryl Cole back in the USA? Star in talks over judging job on American Idol

Cheryl Cole back in the USA? Star in talks over judging job on American Idol

Cheryl Cole could be about to take the ultimate revenge on Simon Cowell - by signing up for his arch rival Simon Fuller’s US TV show.

The British pop superstar was famously axed from the US version of The X Factor by Cowell.

But she has now been approached by executives on Fuller’s show American Idol about a slot on their judging panel.

Idol remains the biggest show of its type in the US, polling in excess of 40 million viewers at its peak and currently stars rocker Steve Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson on the judging panel.

Insiders have suggested producers are considering adding Cheryl as a fourth panellist, or as a replacement for J-Lo, who has hinted she may quit the show ahead of the next series.

Cheryl, 28, made a guest appearance the A-lister’s recent movie What To Expect When You’re Expecting, performing a cameo as a talent show judge in the movie’s opening scene.

But her appearance on the show would be a huge s nub to Cowell, who Cheryl famously refused to speak to after he booted her off the X Factor USA, and has turned down his offers to return to the British talent show.

 

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An insider said: “The two Simon’s are well known for their long-running feud which has even ended up in legal proceedings.

“There have been constant battles over who owns the rights to the TV shows, and Simon Cowell has always had overtaking Simon Fuller’s wealth as a goal in the back of his mind.

“Simon Cowell was genuinely upset when he and Cheryl fell out, especially because she completely refused to speak to him for a long time, but they’ve finally started to rebuild their relationship.

“If she was to then turn to his rival and start working for him it would be a major blow, Simon would take it incredibly personally.”

But an American Idol source said show boss Fuller would relish the chance to get one over on his long-term sparring partner.

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Official sources said at the time that X Factor bosses had ended their contract with Cheryl because of her strong Geordie accent, adding that she hadn’t settled in the US.

But American Idol insiders insist their production executives don’t see Cheryl’s accent or personality as an obstacle, and believe she could be a huge hit with the American audience if given a chance.

If Cheryl accepts the gig it’s understood she would settle for a far smaller fee than her counterpart Jennifer Lopez, who is a much bigger star in the US.

A source added: “Cheryl’s fee would probably be much smaller, maybe in the region of £3 million to £5 million, but bosses are confident she could be a very popular addition to the show.”

A Fox spokesperson declined to comment.