Mariah Carey has given the biggest hint yet that she could be joining Simon Cowell on the US X Factor.The 40-year-old singer has told pals she is leaving Universal to rejoin Sony, who have close ties to X Factor. Not only that, but Mariah’s former boss and mentor LA Reid has already quit a subsidiary of the label to hook up with Simon.
Mariah and Simon have been in talks about US X Factor for a while. He’s very fond of her. She’d certainly bring the pop diva card to the table.
THE X FACTOR has become a worldwide phenomenon and is unlike anything we’ve seen in America,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “The British version is wildly entertaining, but also has a penchant for stirring up controversy. You never know what Simon has up his sleeve, and since he will be working both behind and in front of the camera, the country should brace itself to expect the unexpected.”
“Since its U.K. debut in 2004, THE X FACTOR has proven itself a global success story in numerous territories worldwide,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America.
THE X FACTOR judges will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for the judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.
