Simon Cowell is seeking a replacement for L.A. Reid on “The X Factor,” and Rihanna and her on/again, off/again boyfriend Chris Brown are reportedly at the top of the list.
According to Aceshowbiz.com, a source explained, “Simon is a huge admirer of Rihanna and knows she’s star quality. As well as bringing an aura to the panel thanks to her current standing in music, she is also feisty and will make great TV. Simon loves these sort of characters.”
Rihanna broke up with Brown in 2009 after the hip hop star beat her up the night before the Grammy Awards. He performed community service and completed his probation before reconnecting with Rihanna and collaborating on music with her.
Despite his bad boy reputation, Cowell thinks he would be a good addition to the judging panel. The source added, “The US X Factor has improved on the first season’s ratings but it’s got some way to go to reach Simon’s expectations. Adding Chris to the panel will certainly create a talking point.”
Cowell may connect with Rihanna while he takes his annual trip to Barbados, the singer’s native country where she is also expected to spent the holidays.
Reid has decided to move on from the reality competition in order to focus on his record label, Epic Records. He told Access Hollywood, “I have a company to run that I’ve kind of neglected and it saddens me a little bit, but only a little bit. I have a huge responsibility to a roster of artists and it’s kind of time for me to stop doing the ‘me’ show.”
The lifespan of judges on singing competitions has been relatively short in recent years. Ellen DeGeneres lasted one season on “American Idol,” and Christina Aguilera is taking a break from “The Voice” after just two seasons. Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban are filling slots vacated by Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler on the upcoming season of “American Idol.”
