Jessica Simpson

In this photo: Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson has become the surprise new frontrunner in the race for a place on The X Factor’s US judging panel, People reports.  The 30-year-old star has been named by a source close to the show as having a very good chance of taking one of the judge spots.
The source said: “There are loads of conversations happening at the moment.  No one has been offered a judging role yet as new names keep coming forward who want the role, but there are some frontrunners and it’s fair to say Jessica is one of them.  She’s very keen.”
“She knows what she is talking about, and is talented and likable.  But Simon’s not in a rush to decide.  The judges have to mentor on The X Factor – it’s more than just turning up for a few hours a week to appear on TV.”

Simpson definitely has the requisite skills to do the job.  The singer, dancer, actress and reality TV star offers such a head-smackingly obvious choice that it is suprising her name has risen sooner.  Instead rumours have focussed on the unlikely scenarios of Christina Aguilera and Rihanna.  But with one under arrest and the other at the height of her fame, neither seem likely.
Simon Cowell, meanwhile, has been speaking about The X Factor to Fox’s Jane Yamamoto, revealing that there will be four judges on the American show.  He said:  “I have to make sure that I have a panel of judges who genuinely know what they’re talking about. They have actually got to know how to spot a star.”
The music mogul even addressed some of the rumours that have been flying around in recent weeks, giving his verdict on four of the big names linked to the judging panel. Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs (“Too expensive.”), Christina Aguilera (“She was mentioned but absolutely not.”), Shania Twain (“I’ve spoken to her, I’ve worked with her before.”) and Jessica Simpson (“I’ve spoken to her.”) were all discussed by Cowell.
So even Cowell is mentioning Simpson.  But it will be a while before we know for sure, according to People’s source:  ”They have to get the decision right, which takes time.  Those final decisions may not happen for a few weeks.”