'The X Factor': Janet Jackson In Early Talks To Judge (REPORT)

Janet Jackson is the latest pop music star rumored to be in talks to join "The X Factor." According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jackson has expressed interest in joining the show, but the talks are in the preliminary stages.

On an upcoming episode of Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show, Cooper asks Jackson if she is currently a part of "The X Factor" judging panel. The singer sidesteps the question, saying, "No, I am not. But that’s all I really think I should say."

After a so-so rated first season, the Fox singing competition dropped Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger as judges. The shake-up didn't end there, as Steve Jones was axed as host. L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell will return as judges as the search to fill out the rest of the panel continues.

According to reports, Whitney Houston was approached to be a judge/mentor just days before her sudden death.

Cowell told Piers Morgan that Houston was a name the producers were discussing. "We were ironically going to meet on Monday and of course, one of the names we were going to be talking about in that meeting as a possible mentor on the new series of 'X Factor' was going to be Whitney Houston," Cowell said.

"The X Factor" started off a tumultuous first season with Abdul signing on the dotted line at the last minute. Then, early in the audition rounds, UK pop singer Cheryl Cole was fired from the panel. Scherzinger, who was serving as co-host, filled her seat.

"Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show," Scherzinger said of her time on "The X Factor." "I know everybody's talking about it. They're saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can't say is that I didn't give it my all."

Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, told EW that new judges won't be the only changes. "There definitely will be lots of different changes in the show," he said.

Cowell is reportedly taking meetings with potential judges in late February as the show ramps up for Season 2 production. HuffPost TV compiled a wish list for who we'd like to see on the panel and as host. Click through the slideshow below to see our picks.

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Comments

[mace911]

03:00 AM on 02/21/2012

Check out Ms. Jackson, now she is a proven fact at 45 years young Black don't crack, and there is no botox needed. Will not made for us anyway.

[ACALLAGHAN]

07:50 PM on 02/20/2012

Please say yes - Janet would be amazing!!!!!

[Mailman]

08:43 AM on 02/19/2012

I don't care who they pick these types of shows are on the decline and people never go anywhere.

[liacashmere89]

02:56 PM on 02/19/2012

I know. Too may singing shows

[mr whiteffolks]

05:24 AM on 02/19/2012

Where are Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam when you need a hit song !

[cuteliberalchick]

02:19 AM on 02/19/2012

She is in shape.

[belldn3]

10:32 PM on 02/18/2012

Don't do it Janet, that show is beneath you.

[Meghan Chavalier]

09:08 PM on 02/18/2012

I just went through the photo slideshow...I'm assuming even I could be a judge on the X-Factor everyone else is on the list so why not? Anyway...I think some great choices would be Pat Benatar, Reba, Alanis Morrisette or Diana Ross. If I had to listen to Mariah Carey say "Dahling" every two seconds I'm pretty sure I'd turn the channel.

[MBA Finance 1]

09:01 PM on 02/18/2012

The X Factor's fate will be determined by a vote

[woombie]

08:58 PM on 02/18/2012

On the show American Idiot they dont have good talent people as judges.. For example Jennifer Lopez . She is not a good singer. They need to get somebody with good singing voice. I think Mariah Carey will be good.

[oaklandraiderzz]

07:47 PM on 02/18/2012

I'm so glad I have a DVR. I can't even count the number of times I fast fowarded past Nicole and Paula's comments after every performance. Whoever they pick, please make it be someone who can do the job without all the emotional baggage. Just do you job, don't sniffle and cry after every performance.

[aldinlasvegas]

07:44 PM on 02/18/2012

In an interview, Janet stated: it's either X-factor or making burgers at a chain. But, I do like lots of free food. Hmmmmm.

[japhya1]

07:40 PM on 02/18/2012

That would be great for her. She can always use a job

[cleomonica]

07:29 PM on 02/18/2012

Janet is a great choice! She is one of the biggest selling female artist of all time! If i was a contestant I would love for someone like that to give me advice. Paula and Nicole were never big in music not like Janet,Mariah,Whitney,Madonna etc were. And I would definitely watch bc I'm a big fan of the beautiful Janet Jackson. Didn't watch last year but definitely would tune in to see a true artist give advice. If not Janet I could see them asking Glady's Knight, Natalie Cole or Patti Labelle people who have voices and could give upcoming artist direction.

[liacashmere89]

10:45 PM on 02/18/2012

Yeah people act like Janet didn't rule the 80's, 90's, and early 2000's. It's funny that when a star starts to fall off peoples minds go blank

[AzizalSaqr]

07:29 PM on 02/18/2012

Yes, bring on Seal!

[loisdiamond2]

07:10 PM on 02/18/2012

I will not watch X-Factor if Abdul is pushed out for the slinky Janet Jackson !!