Simon Cowell Wants Britney Spears on 'American Idol'

Thu, 18 December 2008 02:17:44 ET

Simon Cowell said he would love Britney Spears to appear on the upcoming season of "American Idol".

Every year, Simon Cowell would love to have Paul McCartney as a mentor on "American Idol". But the music mogul also has another name in his mind that he would love to see on the reality TV show, Britney Spears.

Simon revealed that he wants Britney to become a mentor or performer for the upcoming season of "American Idol". "She would, literally, be first on the list as far as I'm concerned in any capacity," he told MTV on Wednesday, December 17. "I would love to see her mentor the contestants, but if she doesn't want to do that, and she wants to come on the show and perform, I would welcome her anytime."

And the 49-year-old TV producer has a good reason to put the "Womanizer" songstress on top of the list. Britney had pulled in a record 12.8 million viewers when she appeared on his British talent show "The X-Factor". It's the highest ever for the show.

"The buzz we had on our show when she came on was extraordinary," Simon explained. "And even with all the stuff that's gone on with her the past two years, there was more excitement and interest in her than I've seen in anyone in years. She would be very, very welcome."

Another singer he wants to appear on "American Idol" is Beyonce Knowles, who also performed on "The X-Factor" recently. "[She] was absolutely incredible. ... You want those kinds of artists. I'd like people with personalities," said Simon.

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