Now that it’s official that music exec Antonio L.A. Reid will be leaving his post at Def Jam to judge the U.S. version of “X Factor,” reports are suggesting that Nicki Minaj is being considered for her very own spot on the judge’s panel as well.
Though she hasn’t been guaranteed a spot just yet, the rapper has been in talks with Simon Cowell and the show’s producers for the past few weeks.
“Simon thinks Nicki is fantastic. She’s sassy, she looks great and she has bags of personality,” a source told the NY Post’s Page Six. “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.
‘X Factor’ is aiming for a younger audience. Those aged 12 and over can audition, and [the English version has] launched successful artists from other genres of music than pop. This isn’t a done deal yet, but Nicki would be great for the show. She fits the ideal that ‘X Factor’ will be exciting, vibrant and different. And the show would also be great for her career.”
But Nicki Minaj, who is currently on tour with rapper Lil Wayne, isn’t the only person being considered right now.
Other names being tossed around to potentially judge the show include Nicole Scherzinger, British pop star Cheryl Cole and UMG (Universal Music Group) exec. Tommy Mottola. Auditions for the show, which premieres on Fox this fall, will begin this coming Sunday (Mar 27) in Los Angeles.
