MTV.com is reporting that Fox is in talks to launch an American version of Cowell’s U.K. singing competition “The X Factor,” which he created to replace “Pop Idol,” the Brit version of “American Idol.” Got all that?
The move is reportedly a way for Fox to keep the notoriously cranky Cowell happy and sitting at the judges’ table on “Idol.”
And rumored to be a leading contender to sit at the table (possibly with Cowell) on “X Factor”? Paula Idol.
Other panelists reportedly in talks to appear on the show include pop singer Cheryl Cole and talent manager Lou Walsh, both of whom judge contestants on the British version.
MTV’s requests for confirmation of all of this were declined by Fox and Abdul’s manager was unavailable for comment.
Stay tuned.
In the meantime, just in case you haven’t been sufficiently skeeved out by the revelations MacKenzie Phillips made on “Oprah” Wednesday, Phillips will return to the show on Friday with her sister Chynna.
Someone please make it stop.
Thursday, September 24
Noisettes – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
Jen Kirkman, Josh Wolf, Jo Koy – “Chelsea Lately” – rerun
Craig Ferguson, Snow Patrol – “Late Show with David Letterman”
Smokey Robinson, Joss Stone – “The Jay Leno Show”
Joel McHale, India.Arie – “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”
Phoenix – “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
Lisa Lampanelli – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Paolo Nutini – “Last Call with Carson Daly”
Friday, September 25
Louis C.K. – “The Tavis Smiley Show”
Joe Matarese, Chris Franjola, Natasha Leggero – “Chelsea Lately”
LL Cool J – “Late Show with David Letterman”
Rodrigo y Gabriela – “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”
Esther Dean – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Ladyhawke – “Last Call with Carson Daly”
Saturday, September 26
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival highlights – “Austin City Limits” – rerun
U2 – “Saturday Night Live”