Simon Cowell Working On Securing Superstar Judges For U.S. ‘X Factor’

Simon Cowell is reportedly gearing up to release the names early next year of the judges for the U.S. version of his “X Factor” singing reality competition, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Among the names being bandied about for judging seats include Mick Jagger, former Oasis guitarist and songwriter Noel Gallagher and British singer and sometime Girls Aloud band member Cheryl Cole, UK newspaper The Sun reported last week.

Additional names apparently being considered, according to various media reports, including one from The New York Post, include Mariah Carey and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

So, who is likely to make the panel?

The most chatter has revolved around Cheryl Cole, who is a judge on the UK version of the show. Cheryl doesn’t have an official U.S. presence, but she admitted to British talk show host Alan Carr on Channel 4’s “Chatty Man” earlier this week that she had engaged in discussions about the trans-Atlantic trip. Cheryl has reportedly been romantically linked to popular three-time “Dancing with the Stars” champ — professional dancer, Derek Hough.

“Who knows what will happen?” she posed, according to Metro UK.

Sharon Osbourne, a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” however, suggested to Britain’s Now magazine (according to the Daily Mail) that the brunette beauty might not be right for the states.

“Cheryl’s perfect for England – she’s the nation’s sweetheart and they absolutely love her.

“But over here it’s Nicole’s town,” Sharon said, referring to Nicole Scherzinger, coincidentally Derek’s “Dancing” partner on Season 10. “You have to think of the audience and most of them would never have heard of Girls Aloud.”

In fact, Nicole, most recently a judge on NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” is another name that has cropped up regularly. She actually filled in for Cheryl on the most recent season of the British “X Factor,” when the Brit was suffering from malaria.

Like Cheryl, Noel may be a tough choice for the states as his heavy Manchester accent has proved difficult for some Americans to understand. Additionally, he is known for swearing, something FOX will need to avoid. The Sun, however, reported that Simon really wants the Northern English chap.

“Noel’s manager met up for early talks and there is serious wedge on offer,” a source told the paper.

“Simon is a huge fan of Noel’s songwriting and the no-nonsense attitude. Oasis brought to Britpop in the Nineties. He’d be great to dish out feedback,” the source added.

Sir Mick is a choice that already has music fans salivating, but the likelihood of the star being able to find time in his busy schedule seems unlikely. He’d be a similar sort of rock legend choice as Steven Tyler, who who recently signed on to judge Season 10 of “American Idol.”

Mariah Carey, however, could also be in the cards. Her twins will be a few months old when auditions roll around, and Mimi would no doubt be an excellent mentor to the conestants – something the “X Factor” judges do during the reality competition.

AH Nation: Who do you most want to see as an “X Factor” judge? Click HERE to vote.

FOX, which will air the U.S. “X Factor” in Fall 2011, had no comment on any “X Factor” speculation.

In related news, the British version of the show is under investigation by the authorities that monitor television.

According to Britain’s The Daily Mail, thousands of people complained following performances by Christina Aguilera (who has been promoting her sexy film “Burlesque”) and Rihanna on the show’s recent finale. The complainants felt that the content of their performances was too risqué to be shown before the British watershed hour of 9 PM.

Both women gave performances in skimpy outfits, featuring back-up dancers in similar costumes.

“It was the simulated sexual stuff, that was the problem,” Mediawatch UK Director Vivienne Pattison told the newspaper. “I think [they] should look into this. Whether the ‘X Factor’ like it or not they are commanding audiences of more than 19 million. They are role models whether they like it or not.”