My phone has not stopped ringing this morning with the news that my mate Simon Cowell is hot-tipping Russell Brand’s fiancé, Katy Perry to become a judge on his new up-coming US talent show X Factor.

My inside spies hinted that the Hot ‘n’ Cold singer who previously stepped in as a judge on American Idol after former judge Paula Abdul exited the show, impressed Cowell that much that an offer could be going out to Perry very soon.

I’m told the sexy singer, who is set to wed funnyman Brand in October is secretly thrilled, and I hear the paycheck isn’t half bad either… If a deal is struck Katie could receive as much as $300,000 a show.

I can totally see Katie doing this job after she won the UK public’s approval as a judge on X Factor UK, and though there a many names currently in the frame, my money is on Katy landing this one!

Simon certainly knows how to pick em, but does that mean Cheryl Cole is out of the running? I wonder… !

Mariah Carey’s husband Nick Cannon has recently revealed that the world famous singer would very much like to be one of the new judges on American Idol.

The so-called Mr. Mariah Carey said: “You know what? She talks about it. She says, ‘I would love to do that.’ She is one of the greatest singers of our time; she would be great. I don’t know if she has enough time, though, but if they could work with her schedule, I know she would love to do ‘Idol’”

Cannon, who hosts America’s Got Talent alongside Brit judges Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne, might be able to pull some strings for Carey due to the fact that his boss is former influential American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who continues as executive producer of AGT.

To The Hollywood Reporter, Cannon said: “Simon Cowell was the anchor of the show. And when he stepped out, it’s like, now what? But as long as Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson stick around, I’m watching.”

Considering her reported mental instability, tremendous popularity, and extensive industry experience, I say Mariah is the perfect person to be the new Paula.

‘Nasty’ Nigel Lythgoe might be able to add yet another string to his director/presenter/producer/dancer bow – psychic!

He told newspapers months ago that if he had his eay he’d completely overhaul the American Idol judging panel if he returned to the show as Executive Producer, and it looks like it’s going to come true.

Rumours are flying that judge Kara Dioguardi has been axed and with Ellen DeGeneres and Simon officially off, there’s a pretty gaping gap on each side of Randy Jackson!

TMZ is reporting that Nigel is officially BACK and now we just have to wait and see who ends up in the hotseat.

Currently everyone from J-Lo to Steven Tyler is being bandied about, but who would you like to see on the AI judging panel?

My dream team would be: Madonna, Dolly Parton, Jay-Z and Elton John – you know, nothing too intimidating for the upcoming wannabes!

Piers Morgan has reportedly signed a £5.5 million deal with US cable television news channel CNN to replace renowned talkshow host Larry King, who will be retiring in a few months. Apparently executives at CNN are fans of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories on ITV. US broadcast television network NBC, home of America’s Got Talent on which Morgan is a judge, is rumored to have agreed to share him with CNN. It is not clear whether Morgan will continue as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.

First Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell captivated America with American Idol and now Piers will be replacing one of the highest profile talk shows in the United States – the Brits really are taking over American telly! Congratulations Piers!

The X Factor’s Dannii Minogue has introduced her newborn son Ethan to the world… via micro-blogging website Twitter. The first public photo of baby Ethan (pictured) along with new parents, Dannii and  British boyfriend Kris Smith, was posted on Twitter by the Australian singer herself. Minogue gave birth earlier this week in Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital, where the photo was taken. Along with the photo, Dannii posted: “Hey everyone thanks for all your wishes, we are loving baby Ethan and Kris is the best dad in the world. X” Dannii’s sister Kylie is expected to take a trip down under to see her newborn nephew later this month.

An Aussie and a Brit having a baby boy together… how very pro-Commonwealth of them! I wonder if the baby will be raised in England or Australia.

Earlier this week The X Factor judge also tweeted: “Looking forward to catching up on X Factor auditions. Can’t wait to see Simon, Cheryl and Louis again soon – miss them very much. Dx”

I say Dannii should wait and take as much maternity leave as she can to cherish this very special time for bonding with baby Ethan – and I hope Si shares my sentiments.

Congratulations to the happy new family!

If he had the voice to match the looks, then Jude Law could well have stormed up the pop charts many moons ago. And you can bet your life Simon Cowell would have signed him up without giving it a second thought.

Instead the Alfie star conquered Hollywood, but that’s not to say he doesn’t get the urge exercise his vocal chords singing a bit of karaoke every now and then. Just like the other night when the actor leapt on stage during 45th Karlovy Vary Film Festival in Carlsbad, Czech Republic, wooing the audience with his rendition of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode.

The star had the whole crowd singing along by the second verse proving he’s not just a pretty face … Jude certainly gave Marty McFly a run for his money!

Check out the video below … Earplugs at the ready!

X Factor’s Cherly Cole has been hospitalised with malaria, her spokesman confirmed. This past weekend, the singer allegedly fainted during a photoshoot for her upcoming second solo album and was diagnosed with exhaustion. On the advice of doctors, she cancelled all of her work commitments for the week.

Later, it was determined that Cole was initially misdiagnosed and that she in fact has malaria. The pop singer was likely infected during a recent sabatical in Tanzania, on the east coast of Africa, with “friend” and Dancing with the Stars dancer Derek Hough. According to Cole’s spokesman, she was taking anti-malaria tablets while on Holiday.

If Cole had not contracted the disease, she would be judging X Factor auditions with Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh this week. However, Cowell told the singer: “Don’t rush back. Health is a priority and get some rest to recover properly.” Still, the show must and will go on without Cole. Regular panel members, Cowell and Walsh, will be joined at the judges’ table by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who is filling in for a very-pregnant Dannii Minogue.

Hopefully, Cheryl will take Si’s advice and return fully recovered from the “M Factor.”

Get well soon Chezza!

I wonder what Russell Brand will make of all this? His fiancé, Katy Perry has revealed she has a major crush on Simon Cowell.

Perry joined the X Factor earlier this week as a guest judge stepping in for Dannii Minogue. The Hot N Cold singer told Capital FM she had a spot soft for the telly mogul, saying: “I love sitting next to Simon. He is a big flirt and also a very smart man.” Oo-er, Katy …

After meeting fellow panel judge Cheryl Cole, Katy wrote on her Twitter page: “I wish Cheryl Cole tweeted. She was a sweetie pateetie (girl crush alert).” Good heavens, vying for a few brownie points honey?

Clearly Katy’s good at saying all the right things, according sources behind the scenes, show bosses were thrilled with her, even Louis Walsh thought Katy did an “amazing job”, telling one newspaper: “She was fantastic, she was one of the best guest judges we’ve ever had.” Hmm, how very kind of Louis … I wonder if Katy fancied him too?

Well, that’s one way to keep in with everyone Katy my love, just flirt a bit – throw out a few kind comments and you’re well in there!