Will Nicki Minaj, Taylor Momsen Join Simon Cowell as 'X Factor' Judges?

By Christine Fenno Posted Mar 20th 2011 12:45PM

Auditions for Simon Cowell's new talent competition 'The X Factor' will kick off March 27 in Los Angeles, and in the meantime, suspense is building about just who will be seated at the judges' table.

Cowell made the first announcement last week, confirming that famed music producer Antonio 'L.A.' Reid has agreed to sit alongside him on the panel when the series launches.

Now, sources are floating two new names, charismatic young singers and headline-makers who are allegedly in the running to join 'X Factor': Nicki Minaj, 26, and Taylor Momsen, 17.

An insider tells the New York Post that Minaj met with Cowell in Los Angeles recently to discuss appearing on the series. "Nicki has a large following and she fits well with the ethos of the show, which plans to usher in a new generation of musical talent," explains the Post's source. "'X Factor' is aiming for a younger audience...This isn't a done deal yet, but Nicki would be great for the show. She fits the idea that 'X Factor' will be exciting, vibrant and different. And the show would also be great for her career."

Reps for 'The X Factor' would only say the Minaj rumor was "early speculation."

As for former 'Gossip Girl' star Momsen, Celebuzz reports that producers for the show have the controversial singer in mind as an ideal judge because she's "young, hip and edgy."

The U.K. version of 'X Factor' is a hit, credited with discovering powerhouse singer Leona Lewis during its run on British TV. Versions of the show in countries around the world have crowned dozens of winners. After nine seasons anchoring the judges' panel on 'American Idol,' Cowell, 51, walked away in order to focus on producing the new U.S. version of 'X Factor.' Stakes are high for the contestants, as the winning singer stands to receive a $5 million recording contract.

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Tags: American Idol, nicki minaj, simon cowell, taylor momsen, X Factor

Comments

(20)

Sunday 20 March

By georgie

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If the walking dead, Taylor Momsen, joins anything I won't be watching it. She is just too disgusting to look at and I couldn't wait for her to leave Gossip Girl. I don't understand why they wouldn't get a more seasoned and proven performer.

By bigD

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I know, where's Paula? I thought she was going to be a judge along with Simon. That's all anyone really wanted for his new show.

By garjaya

The X Factor is starting to look like the Crap Factor with all the judge choices.

By KR

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As if I'd stand there and let either of those two dipshtis tell me if I have talent or not. I could sneeze and sound better than those bimbettes.

By Calvin Crabtree

Nicki Minaj sucks i will never watch that show if she is on it

By mem

Are you sure you got Taylor Momson's age right? Last time I saw her on TV she looked 71 with a big hunch back. Maybe if she stood up straight and scrubbed her face there might be a 17 year old under her bag lady look.

Sounds like "X-Factor" doesn't want judges with experience or talent.

By Morgan

I think Simon Cowell would be wise enough not to make either one of those two judges. I mean why pick an "artist" like Nicki Minaj or Taylor Momsen along with someone like L.A Reid whose extremely talented and is experienced with finding people with talent. It doesn't make sense. Unless he wants draw the young adult audience by putting bubblegum popstars on the show.

By Betho42

Taylor Momsen is about as far away from bubble gum pop as anyone could be. You obviously haven't listened to her and her band. Good musicians and Taylor has a rocking voice.

By Annemarie

I've never watched the X Factor in my life, but I think the fact that Nicki Minaj and Taylor Momsen are even considered says a lot about the show (and I don't mean that in a good way). Taylor Momsen has barely been in the music industry and her music & voice aren't that great. How on Earth would she make a good judge? She's only 17!! Nicki Minaj hasn't been in the music business long enough to deserve a chance on this show. Like Momsen, she's not that amazing at what she does either. This is unconscionable.

By direwolfprime

Taylor Momsen is one of the best female metal vocalists alive today, along with Daria Stavrovich and Sharon Adel. That said, I'd rather she stay focused on The Pretty Reckless than get sidetracked by a reality show. We've been waiting for that debut LP for some time now.

I agree. Who says she would even WANT to do the show ??? I doubt it.

By Cassie

I agree she has a great voice, but metal??? Are you serious? Her band is not even close to metal

By Mark

How are they picking these judges? These two would be the worst to be on the show. I hope they do not pick them.

By Zero

If they were my blind date, I'd scream!

By Hmmm

The writer is obviously bored. Simon wouldn't turn the X Factor into a virtual "freak show".

By will

What did they do? Put a bunch of names in a hat and pick?Nicki Minaj and Momsen are would be judges? Are they out of their minds! Both are only starting to get their careers off the ground and both are ghetto! They have no talent themselves.

By E-NUF

If this does not show YOU the mentality level
of today.....NOTHING WILL.

By krktoday

I want Paula. I miss Paula and Simon together. I enjoyed them more than the singer's on AI

Monday 21 March

By Sage

~I have to say ... Taylor Momsen & her band are really GOOD !!!!
There's a lot of talent there, she deserves some recognition for her music.

By JEB BUCKINGHAM

Taylor Momson used to be SO cute as Cindy Lou Who. What happened? Then with her and Nicki minaj as judges on "X-Factor"? I tell ya, i just don't see it.

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