[Denver]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbi...-mariah-carey/

X FACTOR bosses are hoping to lure Madonna, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey to perform on the live finals.

Simon Cowell hopes the a-list names will help rejuvenate ratings, with Ariana Grande also being touted to appear, according to the Star on Sunday.

The music mogul is also hatching a plan to bring back ex-contestants and judges.

Rita Ora and Cheryl, as well as current panellists Louis Tomlinson and Robbie Williams will perform, the paper claims.

Previous winners, Little Mix, Rak-Su and James Arthur are also being lined up according to reports.

A source told the Star: "A few years back the biggest pop stars in the world wanted to perform on X Factor but now they have to battle with Strictly who are pulling in an extra four million viewers.

"But it will be past and present judges and former contestants who Simon and co will rely on week in, week out."

Fan favourite Olly Murs may also appear to sing tunes from his fifth studio album.

Cheryl's ex Liam Payne could be tempted on to the ITV talent show.

The shortlist of stars could also include, according to the paper, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, Dua Lipa, George Ezra Jess Glynne and Labrinth.