Less names

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Simon Cowell has finally confirmed some superstar names which are in the working for spots on “The X Factor” judges panel, when the show launches on FOX this fall.

In a new interview with AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman, Simon confirmed that George Michael, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul are all being thought-about for the show, however no one is a lock.

“Have you talked to her?” Laura requested, referring to the very pregnant Mariah Carey.

“Yeah, I’ve spoken to her. I imply literally, we’ve spoken to plenty of people. I’ve spoken to Paula… " Simon advised Laura.

“Are they calling you or are you calling them?” Laura asked.

“Both. And then new folks come along… [Two days ago], we met somebody who I’ve by no means met before in my life, who I simply loved. And that’s why it’s good to sort of delay the process. It’s not about necessarily the TV show per se, it’s people. You genuinely gotta trust that they’re gonna be capable to do the job you’re paying them to do. And like I said, a success-maker who worked in America and has had experience, I feel is essential to this panel as well.”

Simon admitted that Paula is definitely on a narrowed down checklist of stars, and he's critically considering reuniting with his former “American Idol” decide desk buddy.

“We’ve taken it down to a smaller group of individuals and she or he’s in that panel,” Simon said. “But, you recognize, it’s greater than me who makes the decision.”

At the least two names that have been bandied about months in the past are undoubtedly not on the brief listing, including Katy Perry and upcoming royal wedding ceremony attendee, Elton John. Simon told Laura he “by no means” spoke to Elton about joining “The X Issue” panel, and he doesn’t assume the “Tiny Dancer” would work as a judge.

“Effectively, he’s so grumpy these days, I imply, it might be like, he’d just be moaning the entire time,” Simon stated of his fellow, opinionated Brit.

“If we’ve acquired somebody with children, he’s greater than welcome to come along and run the nursery,” Simon added, referring to Elton’s new status as a dad. “So if you’re watching, Elton, there’s one other job. I’m serious. He can do it.”

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Simon’s “The X Factor,” which premiers on FOX this fall, will supply the winner a $5 million prize, but it surely might not simply be one winner if the persnickety decide has his way.

“We wish teams to audition, however any sort of group - choirs. I’d like to seek out the next *NSYNC, the subsequent Spice Women, the following Jackson 5… anything. So we’ve taken all the rules off,” Simon noted.