Mariah Carey Gets Gig On Simon Cowell's 'X Factor'

Mariah Carey will be appearing on the U.S. version of The X Factor set to debut on Fox in the fall. After a long list of would-be judges rumored to appear on the show — from Rihanna to Jessica Simpson — have been floated in the press, Carey seems to be the winner of the Simon-stakes. “I think Mariah will have a role on the TV live shows,” show creator Simon Cowell told radio host Jackie Brown.

The eight-months pregnant singer will not be one of the show’s judges, and Mariah’s role seems still to be evolving at this point. "I met her recently and she was on great form,” Cowell said. “And her idea was to be a judge of the judges, which only Mariah could come up with." With music mogul L.A. Reid, Cheryl Cole and Cowell as the show’s only confirmed judges, there is little star power to drive in American viewers. Carey's appointment may be a reaction to the success of Jennifer Lopez's role as a new judge on American Idol.