Jennifer Lopez has resisted an attempt by Simon Cowell to poach her from American Idol to join the US X Factor judging panel.
The actress and singer is currently starring alongside Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson as a judge on Simon Fuller’s ‘Idol’ and, according to The Daily Mirror, has been begged by the X Factor boss to switch to his show when it launches stateside in Autumn.
J.Lo, who is working on a Latino talent show with Fuller and the team behind American Idol, was reportedly impressed with Cowell’s pitch and agreed to jump ship.
But once Fuller got wind of what was happening, he quietly reminded J.Lo who was behind her new Latino project and she swiftly changed her mind.
A source told the paper: “Jennifer was perfectly happy with Idol, for which she earns $10 million, until Cowell lured her away with all sorts of ludicrous promises.
“Fuller flew in specially to have a quiet word with her in which he pointed out he wouldn’t be making the Latino project she is so keen on unless she stayed.
“Jennifer quickly saw sense and pulled out of US X Factor, which is why you’ve got this unseemly scramble for judges going on as we speak.”
J.Lo and Steve Tyler joined American idol this year after Cowell quit to concentrate on X Factor, and both have proved immensely popular with viewers.
Speculation regarding who could join Cowell on the panel has run wild, with everyone from George Michael to Mariah Carey being suggested.
Cheryl Cole has signed despite Fox bosses having reservations over whether she is famous enough, and the latest reports suggest Jamie Foxx, who priced himself out of American Idol by asking for $16 million, could be in line.
The source continued: “Jamie would be a great name to get but he wants a lot of money. It remains to be seen if Cowell’s pockets are that deep.”
Ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger may also be offered a place after proving popular when she appeared as guest judge on UK X Factor.