George Michael Will Reportedly Join U.S. 'X-Factor'

From the slammer to the judges' panel? That's apparently what George Michael will be doing, as reports say that he has signed to become a judge on the U.S. version of Britain's hit show The X-Factor.

"George is going to take the job," a source said, according to UK's The Sun. "It's an amazing opportunity to get back in the limelight and reverse his recent bad spell. Simon [Cowell] knows that Americans love him. He is as big in the US as he is [in the UK]."

Michael was released from jail in early October after serving four weeks of an eight-week sentence for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence. He has reportedly agreed to a one-million-pound deal.

Cowell is the executive producer and will be a judge for The X-Factor, which is scheduled to premiere in September 2011. British pop star Cheryl Cole will also judge. –ISHITA SINGH