Cowell: Fergie is contender for 'X Factor' judge

Apr 08, 2011

Cowell: Fergie is contender for 'X Factor' judge

02:43 PM

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Things are still taking shape for Simon Cowell's X Factor, which is set to debut this fall on Fox. The sharp-tongued Brit says that Fergie is one of several names being bandied about for a spot on the judges' panel that, so far, only includes Cowell and former Def Jam exec L.A. Reid.

He laid it all out for reporters in Los Angeles: "We are still having nightly arguments with everyone, trying to get everyone to agree. If you asked everyone involved on this show who they would like on the panel, you would have 25 different opinions," he admitted. "It does show publicly our complete and utter indecisiveness."

As for Fergie specifically, he confirmed that the Black Eyed Peas singer is definitely in the running.

"Her name was put forward. But like with a lot of other people we have spoken to, we have to check out everyone's availability," he said. "There is lot of time you have to put into this show. It is not a 2 or 3 day a week job."

Also a possibility? Gloria Estefan, who showed up unannounced at the Miami auditions Thursday and mentored contestants. Her ploy may have worked, as Cowell said she "apparently did a fantastic job" coaching the more than 20,000 hopefuls who lined up in Miami.

The winner of X Factor will receive a $5 million record contract.

See photos of: Simon Cowell, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Gloria Estefan

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